Ramadhan in Nepal

Ramadhan is celebrated with great joy and devotion in Nepal where the Muslim population is approximately five percent which is about around 1.5 million people.
Ramadhan is considered to be one of important religious observances celebrated by the Muslim community in Nepal, where Islam is the third-largest religion after Hindu and Buddhism.
Mosques are located in major cities in Nepal, and halal foods are available in hotels and restaurants in different parts of the country and the country has long been recognised for its tradition of religious tolerance and harmony.
“There is no significant difference between the ways Ramadhan is observed in Nepal and in Oman. We observe the fasting days along with our Muslim friend and join in their iftar gatherings thus solidifying the true essence of brotherhood and bonhomie,” says Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman.
He extended greetings and sincere wishes to all for good health, happiness, peace, progress, and prosperity on this auspicious occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Seraj Mohammad, a Nepali national who is currently working in Sohar, said that in Nepal, before the commencement of Ramadhan, believers prepare themselves spiritually and physically.
For the Muslims in Nepal, the day begins with Suhoor (Sehri), a pre-dawn meal taken before the Fajr (morning) prayer. After Suhoor, Muslims perform the Fajr prayer either at the mosque or at home. They then observe a fast throughout the day, refraining from food and drink until sunset. The fast is broken at sunset with Iftar. It is customary in Nepal for Muslim families to bring a variety of dishes from their homes to the nearby mosque to share with others, strengthening bonds of solidarity and friendship.
After Iftar, the Maghrib prayer is offered, and worshippers come back home. At around 1pm, the midday prayer is offered, followed by the Asr (afternoon) prayer at approximately 4pm and following the prayer, people begin the preparations for Iftar. As the day ends, special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh are held During Ramadhan, at around 8pm. In many mosques, 20 Rak'ahs of Taraweeh are performed.
Throughout the day, Muslims observe and complete the five obligatory daily prayers as an essential part of their faith during the holy month. This spiritual routine which continues for approximately one month, ends with the sighting of the new moon, and the month concludes with the offering of Eid prayer, marking the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Ramadhan is also regarded as a sacred month of compassion, forgiveness and charity. Muslims seek forgiveness from God for their past mistakes, ask pardon from those they may have hurt, and extend generosity to the poor and needy through charitable giving (Zakat and Sadaqah). It is a time of self-reflection, discipline. Throughout the month, prayers are offered for peace, harmony, and well-being for families, communities, and the world at large.