In pics | Middle-East, South Asia mark start of the holy month of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan – the ninth month in the Islamic calendar – began on April 2 in places across the Middle-East and, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, while others such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Indonesia will mark the start of the month a day later. The start of Ramadan depends on a moon-sighting methodology that varies slight across countries. The month is marked by obligatory fasting from dusk to dawn, and is a month dedicated to prayer, reflection, and community. This year, however, the Middle-East kicked off the holy month amid soaring energy and food prices caused by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which cast a pall over celebrations.