Ramadan, also known as Ramazan, is one of the most auspicious festivals for Muslims across the world. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which holds special importance for Muslims.

Muslims observe a strict fast called Roza from sunrise to sunset each day during Ramadan.

When will Ramadan 2023 start in India?

The beginning of the month of Ramadan depends on moon sightings.

The exact date of this holy month varies from country to country but it is expected that Ramadan 2023 will start on March 22 or March 23 and end on April 21 or April 22. Middle Eastern countries celebrate both Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, one day earlier than most countries in the world.

Ramadan 2023: Sehri and Iftar timings city-wise

Ramadan 2023 in other countries

• In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ramadan will begin on March 23.
• In Indonesia, it will begin on March 22
• In Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey, it will also begin on March 23.

Each country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on April 21 or April 22, depending on the moon sighting.

Bihar Police on Friday banned vulgar and obscene Bhojpuri songs for Mahashivratri and Holi. Instructions have been issued by the Bihar Police Headquarters to the DMs, SSPs, and SPs of all the districts on the same and stringent action will be taken against those who will upload obscene and provocative Bhojpuri songs on social media, reports said.

Reports further said special vigilance will be taken on festivals like Mahashivratri and Holi and songs that are casteist and hurt women’s sentiments.

The instructions said many casteists and vulgar Bhojpuri songs are surfacing on social media that are an insult to scheduled caste and women. And such singers are glorifying one caste and demean the other creating a possibility of deteriorating social harmony and the environment.

Following this, the Bihar Police Headquarters released the instruction on February 11 in the Bhojpur and Siwan districts and warned of strict punishment for the same.

The decision was taken in view of upcoming festivals like Mahashivratri and Holi and legal action will be taken against those who fail to follow the instructions, reports said.

Recently, violence erupted between two castes in Bihar’s districts of Arrah and Siwan after casteist Bhojpuri songs were played at an event. Reports said Bihar police failed to control the violence which is still prevailing in both districts.

The Bhojpuri music industry produced multiple songs every year and is often slammed for its vulgar lyrics and obscene videos.

Mahashivratri is one of the auspicious festivals in Hindus. This festival holds special significance as devotees worship lord Shiva with much fervour and zeal.

Mahashivratri, known as Great Night of Shiva, is observed annually on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna, typically falling in late February or early March. Devotees keep fast, do prayers and medidate to seek the blessings of Mahadeva.

From date, shubh muhurat to puja vidhi, here is all you need to know about the grand festival.

Mahashivrati 2023: Date

This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 18.

Mahashivratri 2023: Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious timings for Mahashivaratri.

• Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 AM to 12:00 AM, Feb 19
• Maha Shivaratri Parana Time: 6:56 AM to 3:24 PM, Feb 19
• Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 06:13 pm, Feb 18 to 09:24 pm, Feb 19
• Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: 09:24 pm, Feb 18 to 12:35 am, Feb 19
• Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: 12:35 am, Feb 19 to 03:46 am, Feb 19
• Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: 03:46 am, Feb 19 to 06:56 am, Feb 19

Mahashivratri 2023: Puja Vidhi

• Apply vermilion on Shivalingam after the bath.
• Bath Shivalingam in water, milk, and bel leaves.
• Donate various fruits during worship for longevity.
• Burn incense sticks for prosperity.
• Light lamps as it represents knowledge.
• Make vibhuti, which is also known as Bhasm, a sacred ash using dried cow dung.
• Other items for the puja inculde flowers, rose water, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, water and sandalwood.

Devotees should only eat once the day before Shivratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi. 
After finishing the morning rituals on the day of Shivratri, worshippers are instructed to make a Sankalp vowing to fast the entire day and eat the following day.

Devotees should also take a bath on Shivratri day in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or going to the temple. 

Shiva Puja must be performed at night, and devotees must break their fast the next morning after taking a bath.