People in Paterson gathered Friday evening to mark the start of Ramadan.

“Today was great because you see people that are not Muslim come out,” said Bayan Omar, of Paterson. “I think it’s important for diversity to be included in such a beautiful city like ours and just to embrace the beauty of it, especially during the holy month.”

Paterson has the state’s largest Muslim population and is represented by three Muslim City Council members.

The event was marked with a light of the crescent moon or Hilal. This is the 11th annual celebration held in the Silk City.

“It’s very cool to see people from all different ethnicities coming out here to start the kickoff of Ramadan and the lighting is really gorgeous,” Hana Iqbal, of Hawthorne.

The holy month is marked by fasting, prayer, religious study, compassion and community.

And as devotees set their intentions, some say they’re already feeling gratitude.

“It feels great. I want the kids to grow up with seeing our culture and religion. We will be celebrating Ramadan tomorrow. And I want them to see all this,” said Salaheddin Sasa, of Clifton.

There will be a communal breaking of the fast in Paterson on Thursday, March 13.