Many of Reston's Muslim residents on Friday began Ramadan, their most important religious observance.
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting, a holiday that encompasses the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It falls on a different day each year based on cycles of the lunar calendar.
Muslims traditionally observe the holiday by fasting from dawn to sunset, without food or water, a symbol for ridding oneself of thoughts, actions and emotions that go against the religion's principles. Families gather before and after the daylight hours to share meals together.
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For more on Ramadan, read this story from The Huffington Post.
Celebrating locally? Here are two gatherings close by this month:
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- The American Turkish Friendship Association will host Ramadan Tent and Turkish cultural exhibitions at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 19, 20 at 3928 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax.
- The Ritz Carlton will also run several promotions to mark the month of Ramadan.
- The ADAMS Center has a full schedule of events at various locations around Northern Virginia. Click here for information.
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