Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, Islam’s holy month, with fasting, prayers and acts of devotion. Ramadan is a time of gratitude to God and a time of spiritual discipline. Ramadan is of great importance to the Muslim community.
Millions of Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for a month. In India, people observed their first Roza on Thursday, February 19, and the month of Ramadan culminates with Eid al-Fitr.
Fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During daylight hours, practicing Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, harmful thoughts and actions, and marital relations. This practice is believed to strengthen faith and also instill self-control.
What are Sehri and Iftar during Ramadan?
In addition to special prayers, Ramadan has two key meals each day. The first is Sehri, a pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins at sunrise. The second is Iftar, a meal served after sunset to break the day’s fast.
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The timing of Sehri and Iftar varies from country to country and changes slightly each day according to the changing timing of sunrise and sunset. Timings also vary from city to city in India.
Iftar, Sehri Timing: As the holy month of Ramadan is underway for the Muslim community, Muslims are seen buying food and other items in the Rabodi area of Thane to break their day-long fast (Roza) in Mumbai.
Why is Ramadan considered spiritually significant?
Fasting from dawn to sunset is considered a profound act of worship that instills the essence of self-discipline, devotion and mindfulness. The holy month is also seen as a time for self-reflection, cleansing the soul and seeking forgiveness. Charity and acts of kindness are strongly encouraged during this period.
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The holy month also helps in strengthening social relationships as families and community members come together to have the dinner that breaks the fast (iftar).
Muslims offer namaz during Ramadan in Ghaziabad.(Hindustan Times)
City-Wise Sehri and Iftar Timings (March 11, 2026)
Lucknow
Sehri time: 05:04 AM
Delhi
Sehri time: 05:17 AM
Hyderabad
Sehri time: 05:15 AM
mumbai
Sehri time: 05:38 AM
How is Ramadan celebrated in India, Saudi Arabia and around the world?
In India, Ramadan is marked by cheerful 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.
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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 strengthen community cohesion, in addition to bonding alongside work or study.
