Bhatkal,: The 30th of Sha’ban is being observed on Wednesday in parts of coastal Karnataka, including Bhatkal, Kumta, Kundapur, Udupi and Mangaluru, as well as in the neighbouring state of Kerala. With the completion of 30 days of Sha’ban, the holy month of Ramzan will commence in these regions on Thursday, and Taraweeh prayers will begin on Wednesday night.

In several other parts of Karnataka — including Karwar, Hubballi, Dharwad, Bengaluru and Shivamogga — Wednesday marks the 29th of Sha’ban. In these areas, the beginning of Ramzan will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday evening. If the new moon is sighted, the month will begin on Thursday; otherwise, Sha’ban will complete 30 days in accordance with Islamic practice.

Under the Islamic lunar calendar, months begin with the sighting of the crescent (hilal), and each month consists of either 29 or 30 days.

In the Gulf region, different dates are being observed based on confirmed sightings. Oman is completing 30 days of Sha’ban on Wednesday and will begin Ramzan on Thursday. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia , Kuwait , Qatar , Bahrain and United Arab Emirates have already commenced Ramzan on Wednesday after officially announcing the crescent sighting on the 29th of Sha’ban.