Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 28:

Muslim community observed the holy month of Ramadan, known as Ramazan that began today with much fanfare.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the nation and state on the beginning of Ramadan where the Muslims keep Roza (dawn-to-dusk fast) for a month.

Taking to microblogging site Twitter, Modi said, "Greetings on the start of Ramzan. May this holy month enhance the spirit of togetherness, peace and harmony across the world."

Greetings on the start of Ramzan. May this holy month enhance the spirit of togetherness, peace & harmony across the world.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2017

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also wished the Muslim brothers and sisters of Odisha on the beginning of the holy month Ramadan.

Warm #Ramadan greetings to all Muslim brothers & sisters. May this holy month purify our thoughts & deeds & bless us with peace & prosperity pic.twitter.com/XwdqKtHMIs

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) May 27, 2017

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting and it ends with Eid ul-Fitr, sighting of new moon.

All the mosques across the state witnessed huge crowd in the morning today. They had morning prayer together as part of religious belief.

Crowd was seen at Masjid chhak in Odisha capital where Muslims assembled together for holy prayer at the shrine in the morning. Stalls and shops showcasing varieties of food products including vermicelli, lachha and other sweet items were opened near the mosque.