Ramadan 2025: its relevance, how it is celebrated, and more!

The holy month of Ramadan has already begun. According to the Islamic calendar, it is the ninth month and is considered the holiest of all.

The month (following the concept of a Lunar Year) begins and ends with the sighting of the Crescent Moon. This year the Crescent Moon was sighted on March 1, in India.

The Islamic Calendar has 354 days; therefore, the commencement date (on the Gregorian Calendar) precedes by 11 days every year.?

Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days, beginning and ending with the sighting of the Crescent Moon. These 30 days hold immense significance for Muslims worldwide, who show their devotion to the Quran and the moment of its revelation through fasting, abstinence, charity and expressing love for their community.?

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. In 2025, it is expected to fall on March 30 or 31, depending on the moon sighting. Magnificently celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it involves feasting, giving gifts, and expressing gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan.

When did Ramadan 2025 begin?

The month begins a day after a New Moon with a holy sighting of the crescent Moon. This year, the Crescent Moon sighting occurred on March 1 in India. Muslims ushered in the sacred month in Saudi Arabia on Friday, February 28.?

When the Crescent Moon is visible, people greet each other by saying 'Ramadan Kareem', which means 'Happy Ramadan'.

The Muslim day begins with moon sighting; when the moon is spotted in the evening, Ramadan starts, and we fast from dawn to dusk the next day.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. In 2025, it is expected to fall on March 30 or 31, depending on the moon sighting. Magnificently celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it involves feasting, giving gifts, and expressing gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan.

Significance of Ramadan

During the sacred month, Muslims all across the world practice fasting and abstinence from all earthly distractions - eating, smoking, drinking as well as from vices like abusive speech and behaviour.

In addition to the five regular daily prayers, they give Sadaqah (a voluntary charity) and pay Zakat (an annual Islamic tax). It is said that during this precious month, the reward for a devotee’s good deeds is multiplied.

What is Suhoor and Iftar?

Fasting begins after Suhoor or Sehri (a modest meal before dawn) and culminates with Iftar (after dusk), right when the adhan calls for Maghrib prayer.?

Iftar is a moment of pure joy! It brings together family, friends, and the entire community over a meal that marks a fruitful end to a whole day of cleansing the soul.?

During Sehri, in India, people typically eat milk, yogurt, eggs, fruits, oats, and light protein sources like lentils to stay energised throughout the day. Meanwhile, Iftar often includes heavier dishes like biryani, meat curries, haleem (in Hyderabad), and sweets.

Following traditions, dates, water, fruits, or something light are preferred for Iftar or breaking the fast.?

A celebration of ‘The Love for Food’

During Ramzan, various streets and corners are occupied by vendors selling scrumptious Iftar treats like kebabs, samosas, biryani, nihari, seviyan, phirni, malpua and others.

One can expect huge crowds and hustle and bustle around Mohammed Ali Road in Mumbai or Old Delhi's Jama Masjid. However, to enjoy a perfect Iftar meal with your loved ones, you don't need to toil through traffic and narrow lanes in search of food. You can easily prepare some lip-smacking dishes at home.

You can start with dates (dates are considered as the 'bread of the desert'!), since it plays such a significant role during the festival, making interesting snacks like stuffed dates and fudges, and then unleash meaty treats like boti kebabs, shawarma, keema samosa, raan, brain cutlets and many other delicacies!?

Galaxy Wishes you Ramadan Mubarak!

From the entire Galaxy Team, Ramadan Mubarak to all our dear partners! More than endurance and self-restraint, Ramadan is a period of reflection, cleansing your soul and empathising with the less fortunate.

This Ramadan, we thank you for your support and trust, which have made our journey, however arduous, a smooth sailing.

Keep choosing us for your logistics needs! Visit our website for more details on our services: www.galaxyfreight.com.