India: Ramadan celebrations to start May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. In 2016, Islamic State (IS) called on its members to perpetrate attacks coinciding with Ramadan. Some regional terrorist groups followed suit. According to Western intelligence services, there is a high threat from terrorism in India. Terrorist attacks have been carried out by a number of terrorist and insurgent groups including Lashkar-e Tayyiba, Jaish-e Mohammed and the Indian Mujahideen. While most attacks have been aimed at the local population, terrorists have previously targeted places visited by Westerners including public places like restaurants, hotels, railway stations, markets, places of worship, festivals, and sporting venues.

Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Over 14 percent of the Indian population, roughly 172 million people, are Muslim. Areas with high concentrations of Muslims include: Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

Advice

Individuals in India are advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.