India’s PM Modi extends wishes on Ramadan, people offer prayers in mosques

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings as the month of Ramadan began on Friday.

Meanwhile, on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, thousands of people offered prayers in the mosques in the Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir.

"May this holy month bring greater unity and harmony in our society," Indian PM Modi said in a tweet. "May it also reaffirm the importance of serving the poor", he further said.

Ramadan, which is considered to be the holiest month in the religion of Islam, has finally arrived. It marks the beginning of the month-long fasting period.

During the 30 days or so, people belonging to the Muslim community exercise restraint in their eating habits and eat only twice a day -- a pre-fast meal at dawn called 'sehri', and a post-fast meal after sunset called 'iftar'.

Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water followed by a light and nutritious meal.