Thursday is Likely First Day of Ramadan in Indonesia

Thursday, March 23 is likely to be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 2023, according to Inside Indonesia.

According to the Embassy of Indonesia in Seoul, Ramadan is celebrated “largely in Indonesia,” given that Islam is the most adhered-to religion in the country.

Buka Bersama or breaking the fast together is one of the many traditions practiced to celebrate the holy month in Indonesia.

“Buka bersama can be done with family- co-workers or former school-mates,” the embassy added.

Many countries in Asia and other continents are set to celebrate Ramadan on March 23.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is expected to announce the first day of Ramadan on Tuesday. Many astronomy calculations forecast Thursday as the first day of the month in Saudi Arabia as well in many other countries in the Gulf – including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

North African countries including Morocco are also expected to celebrate the first day of Ramadan on Thursday.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The month marks when Muslims abstain from drinking and eating from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. The number of days is determined depending on the crescent moon sightings.

While the majority of countries will celebrate Ramadan on Thursday, the Eid Al Fitr date is expected to differ from one country to another.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and is when Muslims can go back to eating during the day.

Some countries like Saudi Arabia will fast for 29 days, while others , including Morocco, are expected to celebrate the feast after 30 days of fasting.