Bhatkal: Muslims in Bhatkal, Udupi, Mangalore and neighbouring state Kerala began month-long fasting and prayers with the commencement of the holy month of Ramazan of the Islamic calendar. 

The month commenced after the sighting of the new moon at Kappad, near Calicut in Kerala.

The fasting will begin from Monday, while taraveeh (A special nightly prayer) will begin after Isha Prayer.

After a brief conference, the Chief Qazi of Jamatul Muslimeen Bhatkal Moulana Mulla Mohammed Iqbal Nadwi and Chief Qazi of Khalifa Jamatul Muslimeen Bhatkal, Moulana Khwaja Madani Nadwi, both have officially declared the commencement of the month of Ramazan.

Mangaluru Khazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, Ullal Khazi Sayed Fazal Thangal Koorath and Udupi Khazi Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal have confirmed the beginning of fasting for Muslims in the region from Monday.

Like previous year, the holy month has begun in many Middles East countries and parts of Karnataka and Kerala on the same day.

Ramazan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayer, fasting, giving charity, and religious devotion. 

The last third of Ramazan is a particularly holy period, as it commemorates when the Quran's first verses were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.