March 23 is not a holiday despite start of Ramadan, says Palace
FILE PHOTO: A Muslim girl learns to read the Koran at a madrassa, or religious school, during the holy month of Ramadan in the old quarters of Delhi July 31, 2013. REUTERS/Mansi Thapliyal
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the start of Ramadan, March 23 (Thursday) will not be a holiday, the Presidential Communications Office said Wednesday.
PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil told reporters that only April 20 – or the end of Ramadan – will be considered a holiday.
READ: Ramadan will officially start on March 23
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.
For 30 days, Muslims worldwide will observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset.
During this period, the faithful abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. Ramadan is also a time for self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity.
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