05 May, 21:13 (IST)

Ramadan fasts will begin from tomorrow in Kerala and parts of Karnataka as the crescent moon has been sighted. The Hilal moon was observed clearly at Kappad beach in Kozhikode.

04 May, 22:29 (IST)

Crescent has not been sighted in the state of Kerala, the Hilal Committee has confirmed. The first fast would be observed from Monday, May 6.

04 May, 20:11 (IST)

No update has been received on Ramadan 2019 moon sighting yet. The fasts are likely to begin in Kerala from May 6.

04 May, 19:18 (IST)

The Hilal Crescent Committee in Kerala is expected to issue an announcement shortly. If the moon is sighted today, the Ramadan fasts will begin from tomorrow.

Wayanad, May 4: The Hilal Moon Sighting Committee of Kerala will be on the lookout for Ramadan crescent, which will mark the beginning of the Islamic Holy month. If the moon is sighted today, the first roza or fast would be observed in the coastal state from tomorrow. if the moon remains unseen, the fasts would begin from Monday. Watch Live Streaming on KSA Crescent Sighting Here Via Makkah TV Online.

Kerala is the only state in India where attempts will made to sight the crescent moon. The lunar calendar in the region, due to its geographical position, usually ticks a day ahead of the rest of the nation. The month of Shaban - which precedes Ramzan - began in Kerala a day before the rest of the nation. Therefore, Ramzan in the state would begin a day before it commences in Indian mainland.

Experts are of the view that if Kerala sights the crescent moon today, the rest of India will sight it tomorrow. If the moon remains unseen in the skies of Kerala today, it is unlikely that other parts of India will be able to watch the crescent tomorrow.

Ramadan is one of the major festivals in Kerala, where nearly 27 per cent of the population is Muslim. Mosques across the state would be lit up, with scores of believers frequenting them to pray throughout the month. The special taraweeh namaz would begin from tonight if the crescent is sighted.

In the month of Ramadan, also known as Ramzan in the Indian subcontinent, practising Muslims are duty-bound to fast between dawn to dusk. The month ends with the observance of Eid-al-Fitr, considered to be the biggest festival of Muslims.