Ramadan 2026: Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, is underway. It began in India on February 19, ushering in a period of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal for Muslims across the country.
The start of Ramadan is traditionally marked by the sighting of the crescent moon – usually first seen in the Gulf countries and western regions, and a day later in India and surrounding countries.
Traditionally, the crescent moon is first sighted in the Gulf countries and western regions and a day later in India and neighboring countries.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Sehri and Iftar are key parts of this holy month.
Sehri or Suhoor is a pre-dawn meal consumed by Muslims before the Fajr (morning) prayer, which marks the beginning of the daily fasting period.
Iftar is the meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset after the Maghrib (evening) prayer.
Since the length of the days changes throughout the month, the timing of iftar and sehri changes regularly.
From Lucknow, Delhi to Kolkata, Hyderabad, among others – Sehri and Iftar timings vary depending on which city you are in.
For example, this year the Sehri timing in Kolkata was 30-35 minutes ahead compared to the timing in New Delhi.
What are the timings of Sehri and Iftar on February 26?
Here’s a glimpse of Sehri and Iftar timings in various cities for Thursday, February 26:
Ramadan honors the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm, or fasting, which encourages Muslims to practice self-control, gratitude and compassion. Through these teachings, Muslims remember the history of Ramadan and the importance of fasting by abstaining from food and water during the day.
Across the Middle East, cities such as Dubai host Ramadan night markets and themed tents where communities gather for suhoor and iftar meals. Common iftar events and traditional drumming to wake people up for suhoor remained popular customs in Turkey.
When did Ramadan start in Saudi Arabia?
Dawn-to-dusk fasting began in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries from Wednesday, February 18, after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening (February 17).
