Mangaluru, Feb 17: The sacred month of Ramadan is set to commence on Thursday, February 19, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. Religious authorities across the coastal districts and neighboring regions have officially confirmed that the fasting month will begin after the completion of 30 days of Shaban.

Official Declarations

In Mangaluru, S.M. Rashid Haji, the treasurer of the Zeenat Baksh Central Jumma Masjid and Eidgah Masjid, issued a statement under the guidance of the Dakshina Kannada District Khazi, Al-Haj Twaka Ahmed Musliyar. He confirmed that since no credible information regarding the sighting of the moon was received on Tuesday, the month of fasting will begin Thursday.

Similarly, a joint declaration was issued for the districts of Udupi, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga. The local Qadhi, Zainul Ulama M. Abdul Hammed Musliyar Mani, announced that the moon was not sighted on Tuesday, marking Thursday as the first day of the holy month for these regions.

The Spiritual Build-up

With the announcement now public, mosques across the region are preparing for Taraweeh (special nightly prayers), which will begin on Wednesday night. Thousands of faithful are expected to gather for these prayers, marking the eve of the first fast.

The atmosphere in the coastal belt is shifting toward a period of reflection, charity, and intense devotion. Local markets, particularly in Mangaluru’s Hampankatta and Udupi’s city center, are already seeing an uptick in activity as families stock up on dates and essentials for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking of the fast).