Fajr prayer
As soon as the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announces the sighting of the new moon, announcements are made from mosques, television channels and radio stations. Festivities begin almost instantly and continue all night until the morning Fajr prayer. Entire families head out towards the local bazaars, markets and shopping malls. Women usually purchase items such as Shalwar Kameez, bangles, jewellery and bags while men mostly concentrate on shoes. Gifts and sweets are brought for friends while toys are brought for children. Barbar shops and beauty parlors are also heavily visited in the evening in preparation for the following day. Women and girls decorate their hands with mehndi as well. Decorative lights are put up in markets as well as government buildings, banks and mosques. Chaand Raat also gives a chance for people to meet with friends and extended family.