New Delhi:Pious Shab-e-Barat, the night of the reverence and fortunes was observed across the country on Thursday night with much gaiety and fervor. According to an Islamic belief, this is the 15th day of the eighth month (Sha'ban) of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The preceding night is known as Laylatul Bara’ah or Laylatul Nisfe min Sha’ban in the Arab world, and as Shab-e-barat in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran and Muslim parts of India.

These names are translated to the night of records, the night of assignment and the night of deliverance, and the observance involves a festive nightlong vigil with prayers. In some regions, kith and kin of the deceased, remember their loved ones on this auspicious night.

In the South Asia, Muslims make sweets (especially Halwa or Zarda) to be given to the neighbours and the poor on the evening prior to the 15th of Sha'ban.