A rare convergence of Lent and Ramadan

In a rare convergence, Lent, the period of austerity and prayer for Christians, and Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, will begin today in many parts of the world.

- Manoj Ramakrishnan

Since the Muslim and Christian calendars are calibrated differently, it is an occurrence that happens once in several decades, though it is even rarer for Lent and Ramadan to start on the same day.

Christians will observe Ash Wednesday today, marking the beginning of preparations for the Mass of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday and Good Friday on April 2 and 3, respectively. During Lent, which commemorates 40 days which Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, Christians abstain from luxury and focus on daily prayer and increased charity.