Ramadan began on the evening of Wednesday, March 22. Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon.
Fasting is not exclusive to Islam and takes many different forms. Some Christians fast during Lent a 40-day period of penance and prayer before Easter. Fasting is also part of Judaism, Jainism, the Greek Orthodox Church, Buddhism and Hinduism.
After the fasting, comes the feasting. Ending a month of fasting, Muslims celebrate with a three-day festival called Eid al-Fitr, or Festival of Breaking the Fast, and wish each other "Eid Mubarak", meaning: "Have a blessed Eid."
During Eid, Muslims have family, friends and neighbours over, indulging them in a feast and eating traditional foods only made during this time.