Hyderabad : The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday as the new moon was sighted on Monday.
Central Ruwait Hilal Committee or moon sighting committee comprising eminent religious scholars announced that Ramadan moon was sighted in Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh.
Following reports received about sighting of moon, the committee announced that Tuesday will be first ‘roza’ or fast.
Announcements were made on loud speakers and sirens went of from mosques, announcing the beginning of the holy month. Muslims were seen congratulating each other.
Special arrangements were made at hundreds of mosques in Hyderabad, its twin city Secunderabad and other mosques in various districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for ‘namaz-e-taraweeh’ or special prayers offered every night for the whole month.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements for Ramadan. The government released special funds for making all arrangements at the historic Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy held a meeting with various departments on Monday to ensure coordination. He reviewed law and order and traffic arrangements for the month.
The police chief has permitted hotels and shops to remain open throughout the night during the Ramadan period.
The Telangana government has issued an order permitting Muslim employees to leave offices daily at 4 p.m., an hour before the scheduled time, during Ramadan.