Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings Live Updates: As the holy month begins in Gulf countries, catch all the updates of the celebrations happening around the world.Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Timings: Ramadan, also referred to as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri). It begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and marks the start of a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims around the world.
Generally, the crescent moon is first spotted in Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and some parts of India and Western countries, while India observes Ramadan one day later.
Ramadan is set to begin today, Wednesday, 18 February, in Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
However, in India, as well as some South Asian and Western countries, Ramadan will start tomorrow, Thursday, 19 February, following the moon sighting today.
With the observance around the corner, stay tuned for live updates on Ramadan 2026.
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Unlike Hajj — which has fixed dates and is obligatory once in a lifetime for eligible Muslims — Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Performing Umrah during Ramadan holds special meaning for many believers, who see the pilgrimage as spiritually more rewarding in the holy month.
The University of Oxford has also extended warm wishes to everyone for Ramazan. Founded as early as 1096, the university is one of the world’s oldest centres of learning and the alma mater of 31 British prime ministers.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsRamadan Mubarak to all observing this month ☪️#ramadan2026 pic.twitter.com/IC8m1C3aK7
— University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) February 17, 2026
PM Narendra Modi wished everyone best wishes for the Holy month of Ramazan. The BJP leader spoke of peace, togetherness, and prosperity in his post.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsRamzan Mubarak!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2026
May this auspicious month further the spirit of togetherness in our society. May there be peace and prosperity everywhere.
The auspicious month concludes with Meethi Eid, named for the tradition of preparing and sharing sweet dishes like seviyan and sheer khurma to celebrate the end of Ramadan. After 29 or 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset, along with prayer, charity and reflection, Eid marks a joyous culmination of spiritual discipline.
The first roza marks the spiritual beginning of Ramadan, as Muslims begin their month-long fast from dawn to sunset. The day starts with sehri (pre-dawn meal) and ends with iftar at sunset. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the focus is on self-discipline, increased prayers, Quran recitation, reflection, and acts of charity, setting the tone for a month of devotion and spiritual renewal.
Initial announcements indicate that the crescent moon has been sighted in Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Patna, signalling the start of Ramadan across India. Religious committees in these cities have officially confirmed the sighting, announcing that the first 'roza' will be observed on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Crescent moon sighted in different parts of Delhi, marking the start of Ramadan in India. The Markazi Royat-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the moon sighting, with similar announcements from Lucknow and Telangana’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, signalling that roza will begin from Thursday, February 19, 2026, across most states.
Shahi Imam of Chandni Chowk's Fatehpuri mosque Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed announced that the crescent moon was sighted and the month of fasting will start from February 19, PTI reports.
Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari also declared that the moon was sighted.
Mufti Mukarram has appealed to the Muslim community to "pray as much as possible for the well-being of the 140 crore people of the country".
Ramadan fasts to begin from Thursday in India, crescent moon sighted: Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri mosque Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, PTI reports
Ramadan Moon Sighting 2026 Live: Markazi Royat-E-Hilal Committee confirms moon sighted, roza to begin tomorrow in India. In a circular, the committee has confirmed moon sighted in Delhi. The holy month of Ramadan is set to begin tomorrow, February 19, 2026.
Ramadan Moon Sighting 2026 Live: Muslims worldwide will begin daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the holy month of Ramadan is here. Marked by a period of worship, reflection and charity, Ramadan is the ninth in the Islamic lunar calendar which brings families together for meals to break the fast. Ramadan began today in Middle Eastern Countries including UAE and is set to start in India soon. To know more about it's significance, read here.
Those hoping to see the crescent moon should look shortly after sunset toward the western horizon. The moon will appear very thin and low in the sky. The best chance is usually within 15 to 25 minutes after sunset.
If India spots the moon today, fasting will begin tomorrow, on Thursday February 19th. If not, Ramadan will begin on Friday February 20th after the month of Sha’ban completes 30 days.
Wishing my dear friends a Ramadan filled with answered duas and sincere smiles.
May Allah protect our loved ones and grant us strength in every fast. Ramadan Kareem!
May this sacred month bring warmth to our home and peace to our hearts.
Ramadan Mubarak 2026! May Allah bless our family with unity, love, and steadfast faith.
India is set to look for the crescent moon tonight, with visibility predicted on February 18 shortly after sunset, between 6:15 pm and 6:45 pm IST. Religious authorities and local moon-sighting committees are expected to confirm the sighting, which will mark the beginning of Ramadan 2026. If the moon is sighted, fasting will begin the following day, i.e. Thursday, February 19.
The crescent moon marking Ramadan was sighted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, February 17, making today, Wednesday, February 18, the first day of fasting there. However, South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are likely to sight the moon this evening, as forecasted by Pakistan's Meteorological Department. If sighted, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19.
As millions of people around the world begin to observe Ramadan, the UN wishes all those marking the holy month a time of peace and reflection, and renewed commitment to building a more peaceful, generous, and just world for all.
“May this Holy Month inspire us to work as one to build a more peaceful, generous and just world for all people.”
— United Nations (@UN) February 18, 2026
— @antonioguterres as millions of people around the world begin to observe #ramadan. pic.twitter.com/gUPycedzYA
Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates because hadith reports state that Muhammad ended his fast with fresh dates. From a physiological perspective, dates rapidly replenish blood glucose after prolonged fasting and are easily digested. Historically, they were abundant and readily accessible throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Image Source: Pexels
Maisoon al-Barbarawi welcomes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in her tent in central Gaza's Bureij refugee camp.
Source: Al Jazeera
Below are professional Ramadan Mubarak greetings for 2026, suitable for corporate messages, LinkedIn posts, client communications, or executive correspondence --
According to Kaur, having a balanced iftar is important as it is the meal that replenishes energy stores and helps sustain fast the following day. “You must make an extra effort to consume the right foods to get the nutrients your body needs.”
Some healthy options include sprouts or chana chaat, grilled chicken or rice pulao. For dessert, you can make a sweet dish with natural ingredients like dates, jaggery, coconut, peanut butter and figs instead of relying on adulterated and sugary sweets from outside, the expert suggested.
During the holy month of Ramadan, many Muslims observe a day-long fast or roza. As part of the ritual, devotees have pre-fast meals before sunrise, called ‘sehri‘, and post-meals at sunset, called ‘iftar‘.
Lavleen Kaur, head dietitian and co-founder, Diet Insight, shares -
*Highly salty, sugary, greasy or fried foods. “Such foods can cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty during the day, which you want to avoid,” she explained.
*Packaged and processed foods. She mentioned that packed juices should be avoided as “they contain more sugar than anything else”.
*Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, sodas etc.
*Pickles and chutneys.
As the crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan, more than half a million Muslims in New York City began a month of fasting, prayer and reflection on Tuesday. Among them is Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, observing the holy month while leading the nation’s largest municipal government and integrating his faith into the rhythms of public office, according to the NYT.
Image Credit: Cindy Schultz for The New York Times
UAE Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extends Ramadan greetings to all citizens and residents of the UAE and Gulf nations.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsنبارك لشعب الإمارات ولجميع الشعوب العربية والإسلامية شهر رمضان المبارك …
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 17, 2026
شهر كريم وموسم فضيل.. شهر الخير والعطاء وصلة الأرحام واجتماع الأسر وتطهير النفوس..
نسأل الله أن يعيده علينا وعليكم ونحن في أمن وأمان وسلامة وإسلام .. وتقبل الله منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال .
Ramadan is widely known as the month of fasting from dawn to sunset. But beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan carries layers of spiritual history, astronomy, cultural diversity, and legal nuance that many people, even observers, may not fully know. Read here to know more.
Ramadan Mubarak 2026. May this sacred month be a time of deep reflection, renewed faith, and sincere devotion. Here are a few quotes to share:
Travellers, pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, the ill, and those menstruating are not required to fast. Some may make up missed days later, while others provide charity meals instead, a lesser discussed aspect rooted in compassion.
The holy month lasts between 29 and 30 days and will end on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, or Thursday, March 19, 2026. However, the exact dates are contingent upon the sighting of the moon.
Following this, Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The Telangana government has permitted Muslim employees to leave work one hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. On Tuesday, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao issued a memo authorizing all Muslim government employees, including teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, personnel working in boards and corporations, and public sector employees — to conclude their duties at 4 p.m. throughout Ramzan.
When it comes to matters of faith, Muslims use the lunar calendar, which is based on moon phases and contains around 354 days, 11 days less than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this gap, Ramadan approaches by a few days each year, moving through the seasons over time; some years it falls in summer, others in winter.
Ramadan begins today, Wednesday, 18 February, in Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while in India and several other South Asian and Western nations it will start tomorrow, Thursday, 19 February, following the moon sighting. Below are best wishes to share with friends and family --
Ramadan is widely known as the month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Beyond physical fasting, classical Islamic scholarship emphasises “fasting of the limbs” refraining from gossip, anger, lying, or harmful speech. Spiritual discipline is considered just as important as abstaining from food and drink.
As the sun sets each day, families and friends gather to break their fast with a special meal called Iftar. This isn’t just any meal – it’s a festive occasion filled with delicious dishes and shared joy.
Overnight oats by Chef Shaurya Veer Kapoor, Gola Sizzlers, Cafe Hawkers and Sambar Soul
Ingredients:
During the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Muslim worshippers perform sunset Tarawih prayers near to the Dome of Rock shrine at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. (AP photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Fasting during Ramadan can confer several potential health benefits, similar to those observed with intermittent fasting regimens. These include improved insulin sensitivity, better glycemic control and reduced inflammation. The caloric restriction during Ramadan fasting can lead to weight loss, particularly in individuals who are overweight or obese, provided they maintain a balanced diet during non-fasting hours. Read more here.
Ramzan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and purification of the mind, body, and soul.
As the holy month nears, prioritising nutrition is key to staying healthy while fasting. At suhoor, choose a slow-digesting, nutrient-rich meal and drink plenty of water.
Opt for protein and healthy fats from lean meats, fish, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and seeds. Include whole grains, fruits and vegetables for sustained energy, and add fermented foods like kimchi and pickles to support digestion.
Shoppers browse and purchase traditional Ramadan lanterns at the Sayyeda Zeinab market in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, as preparations begin for the upcoming Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
The Dubai Government has confirmed revised office hours for public sector employees during Ramadan 2026, introducing shorter workdays and flexible start times.
In a circular issued by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and reported by Gulf News, government employees will work from 9:00am to 2:30pm, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, official working hours will run from 9:00am to 12:00 noon.
Authorities have also granted departments the option to implement flexible morning hours. Under this arrangement, employees may begin work anytime between 7:00am and 10:00am, provided they complete their mandated daily working hours.
A worker installs festive decorations ahead of the forthcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan in central Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Today, Wednesday, February 18, marks the first day of Ramadan, the start of the holy month for Muslims in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic Relief, the prayer times for the first day of Ramadan (February 18) in Saudi Arabia (Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3) are:
His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, received a congratulatory message from his brother, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Kuwait Times reported.
In his message, the Crown Prince conveyed sincere greetings and prayers for the Amir’s continued health and longevity, while invoking blessings for Kuwait and the Arab and Islamic nations. He expressed hope that Ramadan would bring prosperity, security and stability, and prayed for the acceptance of good deeds and success in the Amir’s service to the nation.
Ramadan 2026 Live Updates: The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, confirming that the holy month will begin on Wednesday, February 18, the Supreme Court has confirmed, the Saudi Gazette reported.
Ramadan is currently unfolding! This year, the holy month is expected to run from mid-February to mid-March. It follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and the exact start and end dates depend on the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) in your specific location.
Most regions will see fasts lasting between 12 to 14 hours. It is dedicated to Sawm (fasting), Salat (prayer), and Zakat (charity), and is a time for self-reflection and community.
Ramadan prayers consist of five obligatory prayers, special nightly Taraweeh prayers (Sunnat), and heartfelt duas for forgiveness, mercy, and protection. Some of the practices include reading the Quran, Tahajjud (night prayers), and I'tikaaf (seclusion).
During Ramadan, it is recommended to perform Taraweeh prayers, which are special nightly prayers, in addition to the five daily obligatory prayers.
During Ramadan, the day starts with a pre-dawn suhoor meal, followed by a sunrise-to-sunset fast, which symbolises the teachings of patiece.At sunset, Iftar often begins with dates and water, followed by evening prayers. The final days build toward the spiritual peak of Laylat al-Qadr and celebrations of Eid al-Fitr.
Crescent moon observations are underway in Saudi Arabia and India, with no official confirmation yet. Astronomical forecasts suggest the moon may be hard to spot tonight, pointing to February 19 as the probable first fasting day across the Gulf, including United Arab Emirates.
Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have announced enhanced security and traffic patrols across places of worship and markets. The move includes strict action against begging, public awareness drives, and round-the-clock emergency readiness to ensure community safety during the holy month.
The Philippine National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has officially announced that Ramadan in the country will begin on February 19.
The official statement mentioned that the crescent moon was not sighted, which led to the declaration that the first day of Ramadan would be on Thursday. Here's an excerpt from the notice:
"As the national government agency tasked with providing accurate information regarding the concerns and welfare of Muslim Filipinos...hereby announces that, based on the results of the moon sighting activities conducted by the NCMF, in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Darul Ifta and various Ulama groups, as well as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the Moon (Hilal) was not sighted."
Oman announces February 19 as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. The announcement comes after the crescent moon was not sighted, following the country’s traditional lunar observation process.
Iranian authorities gear up to announce the sighting of the crescent moon tomorrow, with the first day of Ramadan expected to be either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on lunar observations.
Japan's Hilal Vision Committee has confirmed that Thursday, February 19, will mark the start of Ramadan. This notice comes after the failure to sight the crescent moon today.
Pakistan has officially confirmed that Tuesday marks the 28th of Sha’ban. The first day of Ramadan will be announced by the authorities tomorrow, with the holy month expected to begin on either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on crescent moon sighting.
Tumair sky is under close observance with less than an hour left for the Ramadan1447 crescent moon.
The air fills up with the sweet aroma of dates and dry fruits as shopkeepers prepare for the holy month of Ramadan in Srinagar.
(Credit: AP)
Vendors carefully sort through their goods, arranging dates and other treats at the local markets while waiting for the first customers of the season.
Today is the 28th of Shaaban in Bangladesh. Authorities are expected to make an official announcement on the start of Ramadan tomorrow after attempting to sight the crescent moon.
Depending on the outcome, the holy month is likely to begin on either Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20.
Astronomical calculations suggest that the Ramadan crescent is unlikely to be visible in Saudi Arabia this evening, making a confirmed sighting difficult. Despite these forecasts, religious authorities and official moon-sighting committees across the kingdom are continuing to observe the skies after sunset.
Indonesia has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon marking the start of the month was not sighted. The decision was taken following the country’s traditional isbat (moon-sighting) process led by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which determines the start of Ramadan each year.
The announcement comes as many countries across Asia and beyond await confirmed sightings, with several also indicating a February 19 start depending on local lunar observations.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh region have completed preparations at key moon-sighting locations ahead of Ramadan. Observation points in Tumayr, Shaqra, and Al-Hariq have been readied with upgraded facilities to support official committees and volunteers who will look for the Ramadan crescent.
Local officials said work has been carried out to improve and maintain crescent-observation sites across the region, ensuring smoother coordination for moon-sighting efforts. The preparations are part of broader measures to help accurately determine the start of the holy month once the crescent is sighted and officially confirmed.
Turkey has officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the beginning of Ramadan 2026 in the country. The confirmation came after authorities reported that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening.
Authorities in Malaysia said the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan was not sighted on Tuesday. As a result, Wednesday (February 18) will mark the final day of Sha’aban, and the fasting month will begin on Thursday.
According to Gulf News, the announcement was made by Malaysia’s Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, according to local media reports. Observers had attempted to sight the crescent from 29 locations across the country before the decision was finalised.
Shortly before this, neighbouring Brunei also confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Thursday.
Ramadan holds deep spiritual and cultural importance for millions of Muslims across India, where the holy month is observed with a blend of faith, community traditions, and regional customs. Beyond fasting from dawn to dusk, the period is marked by increased prayer, charity, and reflection, with mosques and neighbourhoods coming alive in the evenings for iftar and nightly prayers (Taraweeh).
Ramadan in India is also closely associated with acts of charity and social support. Many families and organisations arrange community iftars, distribute food to those in need, and contribute zakat (obligatory charity) during the month. Despite regional variations in food and customs, the core spirit of Ramadan in India centres on spiritual discipline, compassion, and strengthening community bonds.
Authorities in Brunei announced that the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan was not observed on Tuesday.
Brunei has officially confirmed the start of Ramadan 2026, with the first day of fasting set to begin on Thursday, February 19. The country will observe the first day of Ramadan as a public holiday, in line with its Islamic calendar announcements.
According to Gulf News, the declaration was made after Brunei’s astronomy authorities carried out formal lunar observations, following the country’s established moon-sighting protocol.
As Ramadan 2026 falls close to the spring equinox, fasting durations are expected to be relatively moderate and more evenly distributed across much of the world.
In India and other parts of South Asia, daily fasts are likely to last roughly 12.5 to 14 hours, depending on the city and the date within the month. In the Middle East, including countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, fasting hours are expected to average around 12 to 13 hours, gradually increasing slightly toward the end of Ramadan as daylight grows longer.
In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, observers may fast for about 14 to 16 hours, while regions in the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand and Chile, could begin the month with some of the longest fasts at around 14 to 15 hours, which will gradually shorten as the month progresses.
Overall, because Ramadan this year occurs during late winter and early spring in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours are generally shorter and less extreme than in years when the holy month falls in peak summer.
Ramadan has been observed in the Indian subcontinent for over a thousand years, with traditions evolving alongside the region’s rich Islamic history. The practice of fasting during the holy month took firm root in India with the arrival and settlement of Muslim communities from the 7th century onward, and later flourished under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.
Historic cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Kolkata became known for their vibrant Ramadan culture marked by illuminated mosques, bustling evening food bazaars, and large congregational prayers. Landmarks like Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Hyderabad’s Charminar continue to draw thousands of worshippers and visitors each year during the month.
Over time, Indian Ramadan traditions developed a distinctive local flavour. Special foods such as haleem, seviyan, phirni, kebabs, and regional iftar snacks became closely associated with the season, while community iftars and charitable giving remain central to the observance.
As Ramadan is just around the corner, the Indian Express has curated a special collection of heartfelt wishes and greetings to help you share the spirit of the season with your family and friends.
As you observe the sacred fasts, may this Ramadan bring you closer to the divine and fill your heart with peace and clarity. Wishing you a month of immense blessings!
May the light of the crescent moon brighten your home, and may the spirit of Ramadan bring joy and togetherness to your family. Ramadan Kareem to you and your loved ones!
Wishing you the physical strength and spiritual resilience to make the most of this holy month. May every prayer you offer be answered with grace.
In 2026, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to conclude at sunset on Thursday, March 19, with Eid al-Fitr likely being celebrated on Friday, March 20, in Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries.
Meanwhile, in India and other nations of South Asia, the celebration will typically follow a day later on Saturday, March 21, depending on the local sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Ramadan offers profound life lessons in self-discipline through fasting (Sawm), empathy for the underprivileged through mandatory (Zakat) and voluntary (Sadaqah) charity, and the importance of community and moral excellence. Read more here.
Since Ramadan 2026 coincides with the transition toward the spring equinox, fasting durations are significantly more balanced globally. In India and South Asia, observers can expect fasts ranging from 12.5 to 14 hours, while the Middle East maintains a consistent window of 12 to 13 hours. The United Kingdom will see slightly longer days between 13 and 14.5 hours, and the Southern Hemisphere—including countries like New Zealand and Chile—will initially observe the world's longest fasts at up to 15 hours, though these will gradually shorten as the month progresses.
The holy month of Ramadan, or Ramzan, during which Muslims across the world observe a fast, or roza, from dawn to dusk, is just around the corner. Add some extra flavours to your day by trying new recipes mentioned below;
and more…check the full recipes here.
During the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast called 'Roza', which lasts from dawn until sunset. The fast starts with a pre-dawn meal known as 'sehri' and ends with 'iftar', the meal taken after sunset upon sighting the moon. The term 'Roza' comes from the Persian word "roz", meaning "day" or a full 24-hour cycle. It represents a key act of worship and spiritual discipline, as it involves refraining from food, drink, and sinful behaviour, and is recognised as the fourth pillar of Islam.
As the crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan 2026, "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem" remain the most globally recognized greetings, which are wishing the recipient a "blessed" or "generous" month, respectively.
According to Islamic beliefs and traditions, the sacred book, the first verses of Quran, were revealed to the prophet Muhammad around 1,400 years ago on ‘Laylat al-Qadr’, one of the five odd-numbered nights that fall during the last ten days of Ramadan.
From the sacred Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to the stunning Grand Jamia Mosque in Pakistan, the world’s largest mosques are marvels of Islamic architecture, spirituality, and communal gathering. These colossal structures not only accommodate millions of worshippers but also stand as symbols of cultural heritage and devotion.
This year, Ramadan in India is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, 18 February 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon after 6:00 p.m. If the moon is sighted on 18 February, fasting will start on 19 February. In Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the moon is often sighted a day earlier, likely on Tuesday, 17 February. As a result, fasting in these regions may begin on 18 February.
