The longest Ramadan month begins with prayer and penance

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has begun across the country, with the Ruyat-e-Hilal (moon sighting) committee announcing the sighting of the moon Monday evening. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

This Ramadan will have the longest daily fasting period in three decades. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

The devout Muslims keeping fast this year will have to abstain from eating and drinking for 16 hours as the 'Sehri' (pre-dawn eating period) ended at 3.37 a.m. on Tuesday and 'Iftaar' (post sunset eating period) will start at 7.42 p.m. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Since Ramadan is observed according to the lunar calendar, it gets pushed up by 10 days every year. (Express Photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Worshipers thronged mosques last night to offer special night prayer called Traweeh, which will continue throughout the month. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Believers observe fast and join mass prayers held at mosques across the state during the period. This annual observance is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)