Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, is underway. The start of the Islamic festival is given by astronomy – the moon is first sighted in the Gulf countries and the West, while India and neighboring countries observe a day later. In India, Ramadan began on Thursday, February 19, a time of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal for the country’s Muslims.
The start of Ramadan is traditionally determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which is first sighted in the Persian Gulf countries and western regions and a day later in India and surrounding countries.
Ramadan 2026: What is Sehri and Iftar?
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.
How do Sehri, Iftar timings differ in different cities?
As the daylight hours move throughout the month, the timings of iftar and sehri change regularly.
Times also vary from city to city. Whether you are in Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata or Mumbai – the timings of Sehri and Iftar are different – so each day of Ramadan is slightly different depending on where you are.
For example, this year Sehri timings in Lucknow and New Delhi were usually a few minutes apart – while Kolkata timings are 30-35 minutes ahead of New Delhi timings.
What are the timings of Sehri and Iftar on 6 March 2026?
Here’s a glimpse of Sehri and Iftar timings in various cities for Friday, March 6
How is Ramadan celebrated in India, Saudi Arabia and around the world?
In India, Ramadan is marked by lively evening markets and large iftar gatherings with traditional foods such as kebabs, biryani and dates. Mosques hold special Taraweeh night prayers and charity as well as food distribution are important aspects.
In Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, Ramadan is characterized by heightened spiritual fervor. Millions of worshipers gather at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Families gather for traditional meals and working hours are shortened to accommodate the fast.
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.
In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Ramadan bazaars and late-night prayers at large mosques remain central to the celebrations. In Western countries, interfaith iftar gatherings are held to bridge cultural divides and promote community cohesion in addition to cementing alongside work or study.
