Ramadan is a holy month and people observe fasts and say prayers to show gratitude to Allah. These days are considered pious and significant for people who belong to the Muslim community. A large number of Muslims around the world observe the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast. 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 which devout Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, evil thoughts and actions, and have marital relations from dawn to sunset.
Timing of Sehri and Iftar during Ramadan 2026
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.
The timing of Sehri and Iftar varies from country to country and changes slightly each day depending on the changing times of sunrise and sunset. In India, these times also vary from city to city.
Ramadan 2026: The Meaning of the Holy Month
Fasting from dawn to dusk is considered a profound act of worship that promotes self-discipline, devotion and mindfulness.
During the month, believers abstain from food and drink to strengthen their faith and focus on spiritual growth. Ramadan is also widely seen as a time of self-reflection, a time to seek forgiveness, and a time to purify the soul.
The holy month also helps strengthen social ties as families and community members come together to have the dinner that breaks the fast (iftar).
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.
