Ramadan Schedule 2026: Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, began in India on Thursday, February 19. Also known as Ramazan, it is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world with fasting, prayer and meditation for 29 or 30 days.
Traditionally, the crescent moon is first sighted in the Gulf countries and western regions and a day later in India and neighboring countries.
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. Since the length of the days changes throughout the month, the timing of iftar and sehri changes regularly.
Ramadan 2026: Sehri and iftar timings
Here’s a glimpse of sehri and iftar timings in several cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, on Friday, February 20
Lucknow sehri and iftar time
On Friday, February 20, sehri time in Lucknow started at 5:20 AM while Iftar time is at 6:03 PM
New Delhi sehri and iftar time
In the national capital, sehri and iftar timings are a bit behind compared to Lucknow timings. Times vary depending on which city you are in.
Sehri time: 5:35 AM
Iftar time: 18:16
Hyderabad sehri and iftar time
In Hyderabad, sehri and iftar timings on Friday 20 February are as follows:
Sehri time: 5:26 AM
Iftar time: 18:21
When did Ramadan start in Saudi Arabia?
Dawn-to-dusk fasting began in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries from Wednesday, February 18, after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening (February 17).
Ramadan honors the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm, or fasting, which encourages Muslims to practice self-control, gratitude and compassion. Through these teachings, Muslims remember the history of Ramadan and the importance of fasting by abstaining from food and water during the day.