Shab-e-Baraat’ signifies the 15th night and day of the month of ‘Shaban’ in Muslim calendar during which Prophet Mohammed had asked Muslims to stay up during the night and fast during day time.

Men offered namaz and recited prayers at mosques, which started late in the evening and went on till the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Women stayed back at home and engaged in zikr (recitation of the holy Quran) and performed namaz.

Sewiyan — a sweet dish made with vermicelli was prepared at homes to offer fateha (recitation of verses from the holy book). During Shab-e-Barat, Muslims also seek forgiveness of their dead by feeding the hungry, giving charity or by just praying for them. Men also visit the graves of their departed relatives to pay their respects.