Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadegh (25 Shavval, 12 September, 2012)
Eid-e Ghorban (10 Zu-l-Hejjeh, 26 October 2012) Marks the day when Abraham offered
to sacrifice his son. Expect to see plenty of sheep being butchered.
Qadir-e Khom (18 Zu-l-Hejjeh, 3 November, 2012) The day Prophet Mohammed ap-
pointed Imam Ali as his successor while returning to Mecca.
RAMAZAN (RAMADAN)
During the month known in Iran as Ramazan, Muslims are expected to perform a dawn-
to-dusk fast that includes abstaining from all drinks (including water) and from smoking.
This is seen less as an unpleasant ordeal than a chance to perform a ritual cleansing of
body and mind. Some people, especially in cities, don't fully observe the fast, but most do
for at least part of the month. Some Muslims are exempted from the fast (eg pregnant and
menstruating women, travellers, the elderly and the sick), as are non-Muslims but they
mustn't eat or drink in front of others who are fasting.
APPROXIMATE DATES FOR RAMAZAN
» »21 July to 18 August 2012
» »9 July to 7 August 2013
» »28 June to 27 July 2014
» »18 June to 16 July 2015
Ramazan can be a trying period, particularly if it falls in summer when the days are that
much longer and the heat and hunger tend to shorten tempers. Businesses and shops keep
odd hours. However, public transport continues to function and travellers are exempt from
the fast so you don't need to worry about finding food on flights, trains or bus trips, and
many hotels keep their restaurants open. Other restaurants either close altogether or open
only after dark. Many shops selling food remain open throughout Ramazan, so you can
buy food to eat in your room.
Although you shouldn't have many problems in larger cities, in rural areas finding any
food might be difficult during daylight hours.
Secular Holidays
Secular holidays follow the Persian solar calendar, and usually fall on the same day each
year according to the Western calendar.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search