Following a confirmation meeting with Islamic organizations and relevant parties and in consideration of astronomical calculations and the new moon observation, the government announced on Monday that this year’s Ramadan would start on Tuesday.

The government reminded Muslims to avoid large gatherings during prayers and the collection and distribution of alms. Last year, many congregants across the country continued to perform tarawih (Ramadan evening prayers) in mosques during the first few days of the fasting month despite the government’s official advisory and partial lockdown policies in several regions that required worship from home. Many flocked to traditional markets as Ramadan started, and some villagers even began the month early.

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This year, the government is allowing Muslims to perform prayers, including congregational tarawih, in places of worship, but has limited attendance to a maximum of 50 percent of capacity, with notes on a strict application of health protocols.

In a circular released recently, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas called on his regional officials and local mosque managers around the country to provide COVID-19-risk-free worship guidelines to the people.

The ministry said healthy Muslims were still encouraged to fast according to religious provisions, but it has asked that iftar and sahur (predawn) meals be held in their respective homes with their immediate family. Nevertheless, joint iftar events can still be held at 50 percent of the venue capacity.