Holy month of Ramadan 2026 begins in India with roza, sehri and iftar observances

Ramadan 2026 has commenced in India after the crescent moon was sighted, marking the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri) and the start of a sacred period of fasting and devotion for Muslims worldwide (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

Also known as Ramzan, Ramzaan or Ramazan, the holy month begins with moon sighting and signals a time dedicated to spiritual discipline, prayer, meditation and strengthened community bonds (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

From dawn to sunset each day, observing Muslims fast — known as ‘Roza’ — abstaining from food and drink as an act of purification, self-control and faith (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

The daily fast begins with ‘sehri’, the pre-dawn meal, and concludes at sunset with ‘iftar’, when families and communities gather to break their fast together (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

Ramadan holds deep religious significance as Islamic tradition states that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad around 1,400 years ago during this sacred month (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

‘Laylat al-Qadr’, believed to fall on one of the five odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, is considered among the holiest nights in Islam and is marked by intense prayer and reflection (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

Traditionally, India observes Ramadan a day after Saudi Arabia, as the crescent moon is often first sighted there and subsequently in parts of India and other regions (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

During this month, the most commonly used greetings are ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which wish the recipient a blessed and prosperous month, respectively (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)

The holy month is expected to conclude around Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with the festival of Eid al-Fitr — the celebration marking the end of fasting — likely to be observed the following day, bringing the month-long spiritual journey to a festive close (Source: Photo by Arul Horizon)