KATHMANDU, May 19: Ramadan is one of the festivals observed by the Muslim community all over the world. The month-long "Ramadan" had begun on May 5.

Muslim people across the world fast from sunrise to the sunset for a month. Ramadan comes under the ninth month of the lunar based Islamic calendar which is considered as the holy month for the Muslims. The date of Ramadan changes every year because its timing is based on the Islamic Lunar Calendar. 

 Fasting during the Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that it is the month when the first verses of the "Quran"were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Muslims who are able to fast should abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, sexual activities from dawn to dusk. It is also important to refrain from gossiping, swearing and other bad habits.

Those who exempt from fasting include sick people, elderly, pregnant and nursing and menstruating women.

The fasting is challenging both physically and physiologically but it is supposed to help Muslim grow spiritually and show their devotion to the God.

Ramadan is also a month of charity. It is believed that rewards for generosity are multiplied on it.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate "Eid-al-Fitr" or the 'Festival of Breaking the fast which falls on June 4 this year.