Ramadan's Final Days
The holy month of Ramadan, a period of deep spiritual reflection and abstinence from dawn till dusk, is approaching its conclusion. This month is characterized
by the daily observance of 'Roza', the fast undertaken by Muslims, which begins with a pre-dawn meal known as Sehri and concludes with the breaking of the fast at sunset, called Iftar. The anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of this sacred period, grows as families prepare for joyous celebrations and elaborate feasts. Traditionally, Eid-ul-Fitr is announced following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, with its appearance in western regions often leading to celebrations in Gulf nations a day before countries further east, such as India. The timings for Sehri and Iftar are intrinsically linked to the daily cycle of sunrise and sunset, marking the spiritual rhythm of this observance.
March 20 Timings
As Ramadan's final days unfold, it's essential to be aware of the specific timings for the pre-dawn meal, Sehri, and the sunset meal, Iftar. For Wednesday, March 20, a crucial date as it marks one of the last opportunities to observe these rituals within the month, timings vary across India's major cities. In Delhi, Sehri concludes at 05:06 a.m., with Iftar scheduled for 6:33 p.m. Lucknow observes Sehri at 04:53 a.m. and breaks its fast at 6:19 p.m. Further east, Kolkata's Sehri is at 4:25 a.m., and Iftar at 5:49 p.m. The bustling metropolis of Mumbai has Sehri at 5:22 a.m. and Iftar at 6:54 p.m. In Hyderabad, Sehri is at 5:07 a.m., and Iftar at 6:28 p.m. Chennai's timings are Sehri at 5:02 a.m. and Iftar at 6:21 p.m. Bengaluru follows with Sehri at 5:13 a.m. and Iftar at 6:32 p.m. Lastly, Jaipur's Sehri is at 5:13 a.m., and Iftar is at 6:39 p.m.
Ramadan's Significance
The month of Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, holds profound spiritual importance in Islam, typically spanning 29 to 30 days. Its culmination is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a celebration that translates to "festival of breaking the fast." This sacred period is revered as the time when the holy Qur'an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting, abstain from worldly pleasures, offer increased prayers, and perform acts of charity. It is a time for spiritual purification, self-discipline, and seeking divine blessings for oneself and loved ones. The community comes together, sharing special meals and fostering a sense of unity and gratitude, preparing for the joyous festivities that follow the period of intense devotion and reflection.
