Ramadan 2026 Start Date in India: Will Fasting Begin on Feb 18 or 19? Check Sehri-Iftar Timings & Eid Date

People of the Muslim community across India and the world are preparing for Ramadan 2026, the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. During this time people keep an almost 14-hour-long fast called 'roza' and perform prayers. As per early projections and astronomical calculations, Ramadan 2026 fasting in India is expected to begin on February 19th, although the final confirmation depends on the local crescent moon sighting.

Ramadan 2026 Start Date in India & Moon Sighting Rule

The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, meaning the beginning of Ramadan is not fixed in the Gregorian calendar. Instead, it is officially declared after a physical crescent moon sighting by religious committees. In India, announcements are usually made by moon sighting committees in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and other major cities, often in coordination with developments in Saudi Arabia.

For Ramadan 2026, uncertainty remains between February 18 and February 19, but most forecasts indicate February 19 as the first fast, or first day of Roza, in India, the UK, and several Asian countries.

Ramadan 2026 fasting timings in India: Sehri and Iftar schedule

On the expected first day of Ramadan, which could be February 19th, initial estimates from Islamic Finder Sehri time will be around 5:36 AM in major North Indian cities, while the Iftar time will be around 6:15 PM. Southern cities generally experience earlier sunrise and sunset, so Ramadan Sehri-Iftar timings in India will differ city-wise. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) and avoid food and drink while focusing on Quran prayers.

Global Ramadan 2026 expectations

Several countries, including Oman, Turkey, Singapore, and Australia, are also likely to begin Ramadan fasting on February 19, 2026, based on astronomical visibility predictions.

In Pakistan, the new moon is expected on February 17, with a possible moon sighting on February 18, subject to confirmation by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia could begin Ramadan on February 18 if the moon is sighted earlier, which may influence announcements in other regions.

Duration of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 date

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the next crescent moon sighting. Current projections in Gulf countries, including Dubai, suggest a 29-day Ramadan in 2026.

If this timeline holds, Eid al-Fitr 2026, the festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan fasting, is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20th, in India and many parts of the world.