Digital News Guru Religious Desk:
The holy month of Ramadan 2026 has officially begun in India, with millions of Muslims observing the first roza (fast) today, Thursday, 19 February 2026. The annual month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community service — one of the five pillars of Islam — is marked by the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal), a deeply rooted tradition in Islamic lunar observance.
The crescent moon that signifies the start of Ramadan was sighted on the evening of 18 February 2026 across several parts of the country. Following local moon sightings and announcements by religious authorities — including mosque committees and the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee — communities across India commenced Ramadan today.
This year, the holy month is observed amid global celebrations, as Muslims in the Middle East and around the world began their fast a day earlier. In countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the sighting of the lunar crescent on 17 February signalled the start of fasting on 18 February, while in India and many South Asian countries, the first fast is being observed today.
What Is Ramadan and Why It Matters
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is regarded as the holiest period of the year for Muslims. According to religious tradition, it was during this month that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims observe long hours of fast, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from pre-dawn (Sehri) until sunset (Iftar).
Fasting during Ramadan — known as sawm — is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is compulsory for all healthy adult Muslims unless exempted due to illness, pregnancy, travel, menstruation, or old age. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the month also encourages believers to seek spiritual growth through increased prayer, Quran recitation, introspection, gratitude and acts of charity.
“Ramadan is not just about refraining from food and water; it is about fostering compassion, self-discipline, and a deep connection with Allah (God),” observed Islamic scholars and community leaders.
Crescent Moon and Local Observances
The determination of Ramadan’s start is based on the sighting of the crescent moon — a practice rooted in traditional Islamic jurisprudence. On the evening of 18 February 2026, several moon-sighting committees across India, including in Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Assam, and Bihar, reported visibility of the crescent moon. Religious leaders then announced that the first roza would be observed on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
In some regions, moon sightings can vary due to weather and local geographic conditions. However, the shared tradition of reporting and announcing sightings ensures that communities coordinate their observances. In larger cities, announcements are typically made after Maghrib (sunset) prayers via mosque loudspeakers and community bulletins.
Sehri and Iftar: Daily Ritual Timings
With Ramadan underway, millions of fasting Muslims begin each day before dawn with Sehri — a pre-fast meal — and conclude their fast at Iftar, the sunset meal. Sehri is typically consumed shortly before Fajr (pre-dawn) prayers, and Iftar occurs at Maghrib (sunset).
For the first day of Ramadan in India today, expected city-specific timings include:
- Delhi: Sehri at approximately 05:39 AM, Iftar at 06:13 PM
- Mumbai: Sehri at 05:52 AM, Iftar at 06:40 PM
- Hyderabad: Sehri at 05:28 AM, Iftar at 06:19 PM
- Lucknow: Sehri at 05:24 AM, Iftar at 05:59 PM
— with these changing gradually over the month as sunrise and sunset times shift.
These ritual timings are shared widely in local communities, mosque announcements, and religious bulletins to support worshippers in observing their fasts accurately.
Spiritual Practices Beyond Fasting
During Ramadan, Muslims engage in additional spiritual practices beyond fasting itself. Special nightly prayers known as Tarawih are held in mosques, where long portions of the Quran are recited. The month also emphasises Zakat (charity) and good deeds towards the less fortunate, aligning with the values of compassion, empathy, and community service.
Communities often organise Iftar gatherings, bringing together families, friends, neighbours, and even strangers to break their fast together — a practice that strengthens community bonds and fosters mutual support.
Anticipation of Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan continues for 29 or 30 days, depending on lunar sightings. In 2026, it is widely expected to end around 19 or 20 March 2026, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most joyous festivals in the Islamic calendar. Eid marks the conclusion of the fasting month with special prayers, communal meals, gifting, charity (Zakat al-Fitr) and festive celebrations with family and friends.
The exact date for Eid al-Fitr will again be determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon at the end of Ramadan — just as Ramadan’s beginning was based on lunar observation.
Ramadan’s Significance in Indian Society
In India — home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations — Ramadan is a deeply observed tradition interwoven with diverse cultural expressions. Across cities and towns, mosques fill with worshippers, residential areas resonate with Adhan (call to prayer), and restaurants and community centres offer Sehri and Iftar arrangements for those observing the fast, those unable to fast, and visitors alike.
Even non-Muslim neighbours often extend warm greetings — “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” — reflecting the spirit of inter-community respect and harmony that is frequently witnessed during this sacred month.
A Time for Reflection and Renewal
For many, Ramadan represents more than abstention from food and drink — it is a period for self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and heightened awareness of social responsibilities. The rhythm of daily fasting, prayer, and community activities provides a structure for deepening one’s faith while strengthening social and ethical commitments in daily life.
As Ramadan 2026 unfolds across India, millions of believers embark on a month of devotion that combines personal discipline with community solidarity — rooted in centuries-old tradition, yet continually relevant in contemporary spiritual life.
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