Ramadan being observed in India, Pakistan (view pics)

New Delhi: The holy month of Ramadan is being observed across the world by Muslims, which involves month-long fasting during the daytime. Ramadan began with a special prayer service in the mosques known as 'Taravi'. It is a very auspicious occasion and every Muslim participates and seek blessings of God.Markets across the country are bustling with shoppers as everyone is buying fruits and sweets for past many days with special meals of dates and sweets made out of vermicelli.It is believed that during these days Muslims lead a spartan life free from vices, to forgive and forget their sins made during the year. The main focus of fasting is to remind oneself of the sufferings of poor people. Fasting may also give an opportunity to practise self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. . The month-long fast ends on the holy day of Eid-ul-Fitr. On the day of Eid, Muslims begin their day by breaking their fast and attend prayers in mosques. At home, they hold large gatherings inviting friends and family members to be part of their banquet. In some countries, men and women share gifts among their relatives and friends on this day. Watch in pics how Ramadan is being observed in India and Pakistan Pakistani gather to receive free milk sweetened with fruit juice that gives it a pink color, during the holy fasting month of RamadanKashmiri Muslim children take lessons on the Quran from their teacher at a local Madrasa or Muslim religious school during the holy fasting month of RamadanMuslims offer prayers during the holy month of Ramadan in SrinagarAn elderly Muslim man reads verses from the Quran, Islam's holy book inside the Jamia Masjid, or Grand Mosque in SrinagarPakistani poor people wait for iftar to break the fast during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Rawalpindi, PakistanMuslims offer prayers during the holy month of RamadanOfficials prepare meals provided free for Muslim devotees to break their fast at a mosqueMuslims pray after breaking their Ramadan fast at a Mosque in AllahabadMuslims break their Ramadan fast in New DelhiMuslim man reads the holy Quran on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan at an old Mughal era mosque in New DelhiMan performs ablution before offering prayers on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan at an old Mughal era mosque in New DelhiMuslim woman prays inside a shrine on the first day of ramadan in SrinagarMuslims eat a meal to break their day-long fast in AllahabadYoung Muslim boys point towards the crescent moon in the compound of Jamia Masjid or Grand Mosque in New DelhiA young Muslim boy point towards the crescent moon as children cling to a pillar to have a better look in the compound of Jamia Masjid or Grand Mosque in New DelhiMuslims break their day long fast during Ramadan at a utensils shop in AllahabadWorker hangs strands of vermicelli to sun dry at a cottage factory in LucknowA Kashmiri Muslim woman, left, weeps as she offers prayers during the holy month of Ramadan in SrinagarA young Muslim boy looks on as others pray after breaking their Ramadan fast at a Mosque in AllahabadPlates of food are prepared for Indian Muslims to break their Ramadan fast in Allahabad