Like a prayer: In this Monday, June 30, 2014 file photo, an Indian Muslim father holds the hands of his daughter in his palms and prays before breaking his fast on the first day of holy month Ramadhan
As the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan gets into gear, the capital's non-Muslims are also enjoying the particular perks of the period.
Rheza, 22, a programmer working in Sarinah, Central Jakarta, said that he enjoyed tajil, traditional sweet snacks eaten to break the fast.
"I love tajil. Blewah [cantaloupe dessert], kolak [banana cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar] and all the other treats," he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
He said he also enjoyed the ease-up in congestion during fast-breaking time after 6 p.m., which allowed him to get home earlier.
Alini, 26, an employee of a private company, shared Rheza's appreciation of the lighter rush-hour traffic.
"The traffic is more manageable. Also, people on trains are less aggressive during the fasting month," she said.
Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, began observing Ramadhan on Thursday.
During the holy month, Muslims are urged to do good deeds and to intensify the practice of Islamic religious rituals, and are obliged to fast from dawn until sunset. (fsu/dmr)
Read other Ramadhan series:
Raditya Dika bares his soul, sharing his personal take on Ramadhan
Chef Yuda Bustara shares his fasting experience
Jakartans juggle work and worship during Ramadhan
Kids need good examples to fast
Learn to respect those who don't fast
Balanced dietary intake needed during fasting
Muslims may start Ramadhan together
Shuttler fasts in spite of tough training
Tips for staying healthy during Ramadhan
Unique traditions welcome Ramadhan
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