The history of Ramzan dates back to 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad was believed to have received the first revelation of the Quran on the night known as ‘Laylat Al-Qadr’ or the night of power. It is thought that this revelation marked the onset of the Islamic faith in holy scriptures and proved to be a spiritual foundation for Muslims. The essence of this festival lies in the practice of fasting, which was established in 624 CE, also the time to be known as the second year of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. Fasting then became one of the five pillars of Islam as devotees strictly abstain from food and water from dawn until sunset as a fundamental act of worship. 

Fasting during Ramzan is known as Sawm. One of the five pillars of Islam is a religious duty that Muslims undertake. The fast is observed from Fajr or dawn to Maghrib or sunset and involves devotees abstaining from liquids, food, smoking, and natal relations. It is seen as a pathway to purifying one’s soul while developing empathy for the less fortunate. This enables Muslims to make time to strengthen their relationship with Allah while seeking forgiveness for their past sins. 

The roots of Ramzan not only hold religious significance but also are associated with various mythological stories. One story is about the Gates of Heaven being opened and the Gates of Hell shutting during Ramzan. It is believed that the Demons are chained during this holy month, thus making it ideal for Muslims to perform good deeds while avoiding sin. Another mythological legend talks about the battle of Badr, which is known to have taken place during Ramadan in 624 CE. It was during this battle that the smallest army led by Prophet Muhammad achieved a significant victory against the enormous Quraish tribe of Mecca.

Diverse customs and rituals make for the grand celebrations of Ramzan in India, which create a spiritual and festive ambience. The day starts with Suhoor, a pre-meal which is consumed before the Fajr prayer. After this, people stay away from eating and drinking until sunset. Throughout the day, as they fast, they engage in acts of worship, like reciting the Quran, offering prayers like the Tarawih, performing Zakat and Sadaqah, and giving to charity. In the evening, they participate in Iftar, a meal that breaks once fast, commonly starting with consuming dates and water, followed by many delectable dishes. The Iftar gatherings bring families and friends together, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood. The Laylat Al-Qadr, or the night of power, falls within the last ten days of Ramzan and is considered the holiest period as Muslims seek forgiveness and blessings by devoting their time to prayer. 

Ramzan concludes with Eid ul-Fitr, meaning "Festival of Breaking the Fast," celebrated with prayers, feasts, and charity, marking the end of fasting and expressing gratitude for Allah's blessings.

Suhoor and Iftar meals reflect the community's rich and diverse culinary traditions. Dishes made for Suhoor are usually light yet nutritious as they provide sustained energy for the day ahead. They include dishes like fruits, yoghurt, milk paste, and drinks like rooh afza, parathas, and khichadi. On the contrary, Iftar meals are an affair which begins with dates and water and are followed by an elaborate feast of savoury and sweet dishes like samosas, kebabs, biryani, haleem, sheer korma, kheer, and phirni. 

Delhi comes vividly alive during Ramzan, with areas around the Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk bustling with food stalls and markets. The historical icon, Jama Masjid, organises elaborate Iftar gatherings, and the streets of Delhi are adorned with lights and decorations to elevate the festive spirit. Hyderabad, also known for its rich culinary heritage, celebrates Ramzan with its primary focus on food. Lucknow, known as the city of Nawabs, celebrates Ramzan with its significant Awadhi cuisine. Mumbai's Mohammed Ali Road is a happening hub during Ramzan. In the Kashmir Valley, Ramzan is celebrated with a focus on Kashmiri cuisine, and the iftari includes dishes like Yakhni, Rogan Josh and Gushtaba. 

The traditional attire worn by men and women during Ramzan reflects a potent blend of religious customs, cultural abundance, and artisanal legacy. 

The most common element of attire worn by women during Ramzan is the Salwar Set. It is an outfit made of the salwar or loose-fitted trousers, a tunic or kurta, and a dupatta. It aligns well with the Islamic principles of clothing for women. Women usually wear a sharara instead of a salwar for evening festivities and gatherings. It is a pair of wide-leg trousers that is heavily embellished and usually has 2 to 3 layers of gathers, which gives it an elegant and regal appearance. It is paired with a short tunic, which is also heavily embellished, and a dupatta. Anarkali suits are also a favourite silhouette worn during Ramzan. It is an empire line top pair with a slim fitted bottom. It is known for its flowing silhouette and intricate embroidery. Women pair their regular clothing with an Abaya, a long flowing cloak that provides full body coverage. Usually chosen for its modesty and elegance, it comes in various patterns, a few of which are designed with intricate embroidery and embellishments. Mandatory to women’s clothing, they are always seen wearing hijab. It is a head scarf that covers the hair, neck, and shoulders and is decorated with delicate embroidery during Ramzan. 

Most women’s attire is embellished with various forms of intricate embroidery that are an ode to the rich artisan heritage of India. Zardozi embroidery is the most popular for Ramzan. An art form originating from Persia, Zardozi involves intricate work done by Artisans with gold and silver threads. Another embroidery form from Lucknow, known as Chikankari, is a common choice for embellishing kurtas and dupattas. It is an intensive and intricate form of embroidery that involves white thread work on light fabrics like cotton and muslin. Banarasi silk is also seen as a preferred choice for shararas and Anarkali suits due to its rich texture.

White is the central colour, symbolising purity and spirituality and preferred to be worn during the day. Green is associated with the religion of Islam and represents paradise, making it a popular choice for festive garments. Gold and silver, symbolising luxury and celebration, are standard colours included in one's trousseau for Ramzan. 

Men adore themselves in traditional attire to celebrate the festival as a reflection of their cultural and religious values. The kurta pyjama is popularly worn by men during Ramzan. It is made of a long tunic, which is often knee-length, and paired with a pyjama, which are loose-fitted trousers. Sherwani is typically worn during Iftar parties and Eid celebrations. It is made from rich fabrics and features intricate embroidery. Significant to the Muslim community, the Pathani suit is a popular choice during Ramzan. They also wear a variation of the traditional Aligarhi pyjama, which is tight around the caves and loosely fitted around the thighs. Always paired with a kurta, it is a common choice in regions like Uttar Pradesh. Worn by Muslim men in areas of Southern India, the traditional Jubba is an ideal choice for the warm weather during Ramzan. Men’s clothing is usually made with cotton or khadi for day wear and simplicity, and silk is used for heavy pieces like Sherwanis and Jubbas.