Ramadan Schedule 2026: Ramadan, the month of fasting in Islam, began in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries today, February 18, after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening.
Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar and marks 29 or 30 days of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by Muslims around the world. Usually, the crescent moon is first seen in the Gulf and Western countries. The crescent moon is visible on the second day in most parts of India and other neighboring countries.
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.
When does Ramadan 2026 start in India?
So after sunset today, mosques across India will look for the crescent moon. Notifications usually come from Delhi’s Jama Masjid in the national capital.
The Shahi Imam of Aishbagh Idgah in Lucknow also arranges for moon sightings and issues notices accordingly. Other cities like Hyderabad and Bhopal also announce the sighting of the moon, which marks the beginning of Ramadan.
Crescent is likely to be spotted tonight, a day after it was spotted in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. This would mean that the fasting month starts on Thursday in India. Otherwise it starts on Friday.
Sehri and Iftar Timing of Ramadan 2026
Sehri is the pre-fast meal before sunrise. Each day of fasting ends with iftar after sunset.
Sehri and Iftar times change by a few minutes each day in accordance with the timing of sunrise and sunset. It is different for different cities.
For example, in Delhi, if the first roza is on Thursday, February 19, devotees will begin their fast by stopping eating and drinking at 5:37 a.m.—the end of Sehri. Muslims will observe the fast for about 12 hours and break the fast at 18:15, called Iftar.