Between 80% and 90% of Muslims in the Netherlands (around 750,000 people) are taking part in the fasting period of Ramadan which starts today, reports ANP news service.

During the month-long Ramadan Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. Children, the sick and pregnant women are exempt from the religious ritual.
Muslim communities across the country are organising Ramadan festivals and inviting non-Muslims to share meals to promote mutual understanding, says ANP. Ramadan ends on October 2 with the traditional id-al-fitr celebration