Observant Muslims across the five boroughs and around the world are set to mark the arrival of Ramadan on Feb 28.

Below is a guide to the holy month, including events taking place in the city this year. 

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan, occurring during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims as a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer and charity.

It is a commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation. Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Socially, it often brings families and friends together for festive gatherings around meals when adherents break their fast each evening.

Why and how do Muslims fast?

Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.

It’s regarded as an act of worship to attain God-conscious piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits including practicing self-restraint, growing closer to God, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.

The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic. Those fasting are expected to also refrain from bad deeds, such as gossiping, and to increase good deeds.

Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time for religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.

Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal, called “suhoor,” to hydrate and nurture their bodies ahead of the daily fast.

When is Ramadan this year?

This year, Ramadan begins for many on Friday, Feb. 28 at sundown and lasts until Saturday, March 29.

Do schools close for anything related to Ramadan?

In honor of Eid al-Fitr — an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan — New York City public schools will be closed on Monday, March 31.

What are some of the cultural and social traditions associated with Ramadan?

Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse, and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.

Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.

In Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, Ramadan is typically a festive time.

Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children’s hands and adorn homes or the entrances of buildings and stores. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.

Ramadan’s soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the pre-dawn banging on drums by a “mesaharati” who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to awake them for the suhoor meal.

How is Ramadan being observed in the city?

There are a number of events planned in the city in the coming days. Here are just a few:

• The NYC Ramadan Night Market is back for a second year, bringing community together for a night of food, culture and connection in Little Egypt on Steinway Street in Queens. The event will take place on Thursday, March 13 from 7 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.
• The Islamic Center at NYU, located across from Washington Square Park, is offering a free iftar every night of Ramadan this year.
• The Brooklyn Public Library will host a community iftar at the Canarsie Library on Tuesday, March 4 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Ankara Turkish Restaurant will provide free meals while supplies last.
• Two days later, on Thursday, March 6 between 4 and 5 p.m., the Brooklyn Public Library will also host an arts and crafts session for children.
• The New York Public Library will play host to a "Ramadan Storytime+Craft" at the St. George Library Children's Room on Staten Island on Thursday, March 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Islamic Relief USA is scheduled to host its "Grand Iftar" on Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. on Staten Island. 
• The Museum of the Moving Image will host an evening iftar celebration on Friday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m., bringing together "community members, elected officials, and talented artists." The event is free with RSVP.
• The city's Department of Parks and Recreation will host an Eid al-Fitr event at the King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park in Jamaica, Queens on Saturday, April 5 between 1 and 4 p.m. Activities will include making cards and bookmarks, trying snacks and learning about the significance of the holiday.