Bhatkal: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, begins in Bhatkal along with parts of coastal Karnataka after the crescent moon was sighted in Kumta in Uttara Kannada district and other parts of coastal Karnataka on Wednesday evening after Magrib prayers.

The Qazis of Bhatkal, Maulana Khaja Moinuddin Akrami Madani and Maulana Abdul Noor Fakarde Nadvi informed about the sighting of the moon after receiving the confirmation.

The fasting will begin from tomorrow Thursday onwards, while Taraweeh, a special night prayers will begin today after Isha prayers across all the Mosques. Since the number of Huffaz have increased in Bhatkal, it is being planned by Jamiatul Huffaz that atleast 4-5 Huffaz will be leading Taraweeh prayers in each mosque with the intention to avail opportunity to all the Huffaz in the Bhatkal.

Significance of Ramadan: Muslims fast from dusk to dawn during the month of Ramadan. The fast begins before the sunrise with a small meal called 'suhur' or 'sehri' and is broken with an evening feast called 'Iftar'.

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic year and begins when a crescent moon is sighted.

After 29 or 30 days of fasting and prayers, depending on the moon-sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated.

The holy Ramadan signifies fasting, charity and spirituality for the Muslim community. Ramadan is the month when it is said that the Holy Qur'an was revealed to prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Besides fasting, recitation of Qur'an has special significance in the month. While five-times a day prayers are compulsory for Muslims throughout the year, the month has special Taraweeh prayers which are offered in group.