The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world and marks a period of fasting, prayer and reflection. Considered the holiest month in the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar, Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and is a time when believers focus on spiritual discipline, charity and community.
When did Ramadan 2026 start in India?
Ramadan began in India on 19 February 2026 after the crescent moon was sighted on 18 February. Traditionally, the moon is first sighted in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, after which many countries including India confirm the start of the holy month.
Thus, the first roza (fast) was observed on Thursday, February 19.
Fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this time, practicing Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and conjugal relations during daylight hours. This period is also associated with increased prayers, acts of love and spiritual reflection.
Sehri and Iftar: What They Mean
Each fasting day begins with sehri (suhoor) — a pre-dawn meal eaten before sunrise. The fast is then broken at sunset with an iftar, often shared with family and community members.
Since sunrise and sunset vary from region to region, sehri and iftar timings vary from city to city and vary slightly each day.
Below are sehri and iftar timings for 10 March 2026 in some major Indian cities according to Islamic Finder.
City-Wise Sehri and Iftar Timings (March 10, 2026)
Lucknow
- Sehri time: 05:04 AM
- Iftar time: 18:13
Delhi
- Sehri time: 05:18 AM
- Iftar time: 18:28
Hyderabad
- Sehri time: 05:15 AM
- Iftar time: 18:26
mumbai
- Sehri time: 05:39 AM
- Iftar time: 18:47
It is important to note that sehri and iftar timings change by a few minutes daily based on sunrise and sunset. In addition, there can be slight variations between communities such as Sunni and Shia Muslims, usually varying by a few minutes.
For those observing the fast, checking the daily schedule for their city helps ensure that fasting begins and ends at the correct times during the month of Ramadan.
