The many shades of Ramadan observances and festivities

The holy month of Ramadan is here again! Muslims from all across the world will observe month-long fasting to honour Prophet Muhammad. Here's a glimpse of Ramadan festivities and observances from different parts of the world. 

The pious occasion falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed that during this auspicious time, the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad on the night of Lailat ul Qadr. 

The month of Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quraan. Devotees begin their day by eating a meal followed by a day-long fast that is only broken after sunset. Believers read Quaraan, offer prayers throughout the day.

A young boy can be seen distributing food for Iftar, the evening meal, during the first day of the month of Ramadan at the Burah (Jame) Majid in Guwahati. 

People purchase dates on the first day of holy month of Ramadan in Srinagar. 

A worker dries 'Sewaiyan' (vermicelli) during Ramadan at a factory in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The sweet preparation made with nuts and milk is central to Ramadan festivities. 

People break their fast on the first day of Ramadan, at Jama Masjid in New Delhi. 

A volunteer distributes sweet drinks on the first day of Ramadan at a free food distribution point in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. 

A Kashmiri Muslim man recites Koran on the second day of fasting month of Ramadan inside the shrine of Sufi Saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani in Srinagar.

Sudanese volunteers prepare meals for protesters during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in front of the defense ministry compound in Khartoum.