In pictures: How India is celebrating the holy fasting month of Ramadan

Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan, is a sacred month in Islam that falls in the ninth month of the Hijri or Islamic lunar calendar. The Jama Masjid in Delhi has been lit up for the special occasion. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

During this holy period, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, a practice called Roza, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, signifying values of devotion, self-restraint, and spiritual contemplation. (Express photograph by Arul Horizon)

The fast starts with sehri, a pre-dawn meal, and ends with iftar, post-sighting the moon. Bustling lanes of old Delhi capture the fervent spirit of the festival. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

Devotees offer namaaz after breaking the fast at Pension Wala Masjid in Pune on the second day of the holy month of Ramadan. (Express photograph by Arul Horizon)

People lined up at one of the food stalls at Kausar Baug in Pune, which is known for Ramzan dishes on the first Friday of Ramadan (Express photograph by Arul Horizon)

Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam, symbolising a period of purification, self-discipline, and spiritual growth for the Muslim community worldwide. Old markets in Delhi record increased footfall during this month. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

Devotees offer Friday Namaz at Sarkhej Roza heritage Mosque in Ahmedabad. (Express photo by Nirmal Harindran)

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressing devotees on the first Friday of Ramadan at Jamia Masjid, in Srinagar (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi )

Young girls in traditional attire celebrate during the Ramadan festival in .Delhi (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

A vendor sells dates, the first food with which Muslims break their fast in Srinagar. (Express Photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

Muslims prepare iftar food inside a mosque before breaking their fast in Agartala. (Express Photo by Abhishek Saha)