Ramadan 2026: It’s that time of year again when Muslims around the world await the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is one of the holiest times of the year for Muslims worldwide.
During this special time of the month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, pray for peace and guidance, and donate in the form of charity or zakat.
When does Ramadan begin in India?
Traditionally, the beginning of the month depends on the sighting of the moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be around February 18 or 19.
The sighting of the moon on February 17 will determine the date of this special occasion.
Typically, India celebrates Ramadan a day after Saudi Arabia. The Ramadan moon is usually sighted first in Saudi Arabia and parts of India, as well as some Western countries.
This time of year marks one of the five pillars of Islam, which also includes Shahada (profession of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Fasting during Ramadan means abstaining from all food and drink from dawn until sunset—not even a sip of water—and then breaking the fast with a meal known as “Iftar” in Arabic.
Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal, called “Suhoor,” before fasting to hydrate and nourish their bodies before the fast.
Muslims typically attend congregational prayers in mosques and spend considerable time in religious contemplation and reading the Quran, the holy book of Muslims.
Who is exempt from fasting? There are some exemptions, such as those who cannot fast due to illness or travel. Those who are temporarily unable to fast due to illness or travel will have to make up for the missed days of fasting later.
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk after the sighting of the moon. Eid al-Fitr lasts for one day and is expected to fall on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, depending on the moon’s appearance.
In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal. This is the day when the Eid prayer is held, and fasting is prohibited.
The International Astronomical Centre (IAC) has warned against using telescopes to view the Ramadan crescent, scheduled for 1447 AH.
They strongly advise against attempting to view the moon using telescopes or binoculars on Tuesday, February 17th. They say that due to its proximity to the sun, it will not only be impossible to view the moon but could also be dangerous.
According to the IAC, the angular separation between the sun and the moon at sunset in most parts of the Arabian Peninsula will be very small—only one degree in cities like Riyadh.
The IAC said that in reality, if the crescent were to be thin, it would be less than half a degree from the edge of the sun. Viewing it could inadvertently result in intense sunlight, which could cause permanent eye damage and damage optical instruments.
(With agency inputs)