Observant Muslims across the five boroughs and around the world are preparing to mark the arrival of Ramadan.

Below is a guide to the holy month and how it is observed in New York City.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer and charity.

It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation. Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Beyond its religious significance, the month often brings families and friends together for festive gatherings each evening when they break their fast.

Why and how do Muslims fast?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage.

Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.

It’s regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.

The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic.

Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.

Muslims eat a predawn meal, called “suhoor,” to hydrate and nurture their bodies ahead of the daily fast.

When is Ramadan this year?

The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on or around Feb. 18 or 19. The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.

Do schools close for anything related to Ramadan?

In observance of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, New York City public schools are scheduled to close on Friday, March 20.

What are some of the cultural and social traditions associated with Ramadan?

Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse, and Ramadan traditions often reflect cultural heritage as much as religious practice.

Many customs center on gathering after sunset for meals and socializing. Some families decorate their homes, use Ramadan-themed tableware or visit night markets and Ramadan bazaars.

In countries such as Egypt, Ramadan is marked by festive decorations. Colorful lanterns known as “fanoos” hang in homes and storefronts, and traditional songs welcome the holy month.

In some neighborhoods, a “mesaharati” — a town crier — may walk the streets before dawn, beating a drum to wake residents for suhoor.

How is Ramadan being observed in the city?

There are a number of events planned in the city in the coming days. Here are just a few:

The NYC Ramadan Night Market is back for its third year, bringing community together for a night of food, culture and connection in Little Egypt on Steinway Street in Queens. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 4 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
The Islamic Center at NYU, located across from Washington Square Park, offers iftar for different groups nearly every night of Ramadan.
The New York Public Library will host a “Ramadan Storytime+Craft” at the St. George Library Children’s Room on Staten Island on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The nonprofit SufiCorner will also host a Community Iftar and Concert on Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring performances by Amir Vahab, beginning at 5 p.m. at Madison Square Park Tower.
The fifth annual Iftar in the Park will be held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island on Saturday, March 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., bringing guest speakers, children’s storytimes and more.