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Ramadan 2026 Dates: Ramzan crescent is typically seen first in the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and more.
Ramadan Dates 2026: Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri).
It begins when the crescent moon is sighted, the commencement of a period of fasting, prayer, and meditation for Muslims worldwide.
During this month, people refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, establishing a sense of community and spiritual development.
The conclusion of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr (the fast-breaking festival), one of Islam’s main holidays.
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.
The sighting of the moon marks the beginning of Ramadan. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)
Ramadan is expected to end sometime on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr celebrated the following evening, Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Typically, India observes Ramadan one day after Saudi Arabia, as the crescent moon is first sighted in Saudi Arabia and in some regions of India and Western countries.
According to Islamic beliefs and traditions, the sacred book, the Quran, was 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.
During the holy month of Ramadan, people fast from dawn until sunset, known as ‘Roza’. The fast begins with sehri, a pre-dawn meal, and finishes with iftar, after seeing the moon.
It is one of the most sacred months in Islam, representing a time of purification, self-discipline, and spiritual growth for the Muslim community worldwide.
During this month, the most commonly used greetings are ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which wish the recipient a blessed and prosperous month, respectively.