Muslim world begins Ramzan fasting

Muslim men and women across the world are observing Ramzan, the month-long celebration of self-purification and restraint.

Across a wide belt that stretches halfway around the globe, the world's estimated 1.6 billion Muslims marked the beginning of Ramzan this weekend and on Monday

Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed as a fasting period by Muslims, who abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Muslims wake up early morning for the pre-dawn 'sehri' meal renouncing food and water during the day before breaking their fasts in the evening. The sumptuous evening meals are known as 'iftars'.

The month-long fasting will culminate in the Id-ul-Fitr celebrations next month.

Rediff.com presents photographs of Ramzan as it is observed across the world.