The month of dawn-to-dusk fasting gets easier but today is the hardest day to abstain, Otago Muslim Association chairman Steve Johnston says.
The new crescent moon on Monday night signalled the beginning of Ramadan - the Muslim month of fasting.
"The first day is not too bad, the second day is harder ... You need to adapt and then you're good. By the time you get to the end you wish you could keep on going.''
Nearly two billion Muslims around the world observe Ramadan every year, abstaining from all food and drink from sunrise to sunset for the month.
During Ramadan, a communal feast is served after sunset at the Al Huda Mosque in North Dunedin .
"It is good community bonding,'' Mr Johnston said.
Last night, the first communal meal served for this year's Ramadan included Sri Lankan curries.
Ramadan was a time for Muslims to reconnect with their faith and community through prayer, charity and recitation of the Koran.
"We try to recite as much of the Koran as we can,'' Mr Johnston said.
He and several other "brothers'' travelled to Signal Hill on Monday night to spot the new moon, which was easily seen on the clear night, he said.
They then "spread the word'' about the official start of Ramadan by calling the mosque and the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.
