Ramadan 2026: The holy month of Ramadan is underway, observed by Muslims around the world as a period of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection. The Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the beginning of fasting and other religious observances associated with Ramadan.
Traditionally, the crescent moon is first sighted in the Gulf countries and some western regions, while India and several neighboring countries usually start observing Ramadan a day later. In India, the holy month began on Thursday, February 19, marking a time of devotion, charity, reflection and spiritual renewal for millions of Muslims across the country.
Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and has deep religious significance. From dawn to dusk, practicing Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and negative thoughts or actions. Fasting is meant to deepen faith, cultivate self-discipline, and foster empathy for those facing hardship.
What are Sehri and Iftar?
Two key meals shape the daily routine during Ramadan – Sehri and Iftar.
Sehri, also called Suhoor, is a pre-dawn meal before the Fajr (morning) prayer. This pre-dawn meal marks the beginning of the day’s fast and must be finished before sunrise.
Iftar, on the other hand, is the evening meal used to break the fast after sunset. Traditionally, Muslims begin their fast with dates and water, and the Maghrib (evening) prayer is followed by a larger meal shared with family or community members.
As the sunrise and sunset times vary from place to place, the timing of Sehri and Iftar varies from city to city. For example, the fasting schedules in Delhi will be slightly different from those in Mumbai, Bengaluru or Lucknow due to geographical differences. These timings also change slightly with each additional day throughout the month.
Sehri and Iftar Timings in Major Indian Cities (March 18, 2026)
Below are the Sehri and Iftar timings for 18 March 2026 in some major Indian cities:
Lucknow Sehri and Iftar time
- Sehri time: 04:55 AM
- Iftar time: 18:18
Delhi Sehri and Iftar time
- Sehri time: 05:10 AM
- Iftar time: 18:32
- Hyderabad Sehri and Iftar time
- Sehri time: 05:10 AM
- Iftar time: 18:27
Mumbai Sehri and Iftar time
- Sehri time: 05:32 AM
- Iftar time: 18:50
These times mark the daily window during which Muslims observe their fast, beginning before sunrise and ending at sunset.
Importance of fasting during Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink. This month encourages believers to focus on spiritual growth, prayer and acts of love.
Muslims often spend more time reading the Qur’an, performing additional prayers, and providing assistance to those in need. The period also emphasizes patience, humility and gratitude.
In many households, Iftar becomes a time for families and communities to come together and strengthen social bonds by sharing a meal after a day of fasting.
As Ramadan progresses, Muslims across India continue to observe the fast every day from Sehri before sunrise to Iftar at sunset, upholding traditions that have been practiced for generations.
