Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, takes place in India and began on February 19. It is a time of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal for Muslims across the country.
The start of Ramadan is traditionally based on the sighting of the crescent moon. It is usually first observed in the Gulf countries and western regions and a day later in India and neighboring countries.
What are Sehri and Iftar?
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and the two key meals are Sehri and Iftar.
Sehri (Suhoor): This is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the Fajr (morning) prayer and marks the beginning of the day’s fast.
Iftar: This is the meal eaten to break the fast at sunset after the Maghrib (evening) prayer.
Do Sehri and Iftar timings vary by city?
The length of daylight varies throughout the month, the timing of Sehri and Iftar changes regularly. Across India, from Lucknow and Delhi to Kolkata and Hyderabad, exact times vary by city. For example, this year Sehri in Kolkata is about 30-35 minutes earlier than in New Delhi.
What are the timings of Sehri and Iftar on March 1?
Here’s a glimpse of Sehri and Iftar timings for various cities across India on March 1:
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.
