Ramadan 2026 has dawned across India, transforming the daily rhythms of millions of Muslim households from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is a period of deep spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and communal bonds—yet its observance unfolds with remarkable diversity across the country’s vast geography. On February 21, 2026, Indian Muslims began their first fast of the holy month, rising before dawn for Sehri and gathering at sunset to break their fast at Iftar, following carefully observed local timings.
For many, the day starts in the hush of pre-dawn darkness. According to India TV, Sehri—also known as Suhoor—is the essential meal consumed before the Fajr prayer and the beginning of the day’s fast. This meal is more than just sustenance; it is a ritual that sets the tone for the day, marked by quiet purpose and a sense of personal devotion. In Mumbai, the western metropolis, Sehri on February 22, 2026, ended at 5:50 AM, offering one of the latest windows for the pre-fast meal among major Indian cities. Delhi’s Sehri concluded at 5:34 AM, Hyderabad’s at 5:25 AM, and in Lucknow, observers wrapped up their meals even earlier, by 5:19 AM. These differences, as India TV notes, reflect India’s span of longitudes and the regional variations in sunrise.
The foods chosen for Sehri are intentionally simple and nourishing—hydrating drinks, slow-releasing grains, and light proteins—to sustain energy through the long hours of abstinence. While Iftar, the sunset meal, is a communal affair often filled with laughter and the clatter of shared plates, Sehri is softer, almost meditative. Families gather quietly, sometimes still shaking off sleep, to share the final sips of water or bites of roti before the fast begins. As India TV describes, "Sehri feels softer. More personal. Timed precisely before Fajr prayer, it marks the final window to eat and hydrate before the fast begins."
Once dawn breaks, the fast commences in earnest. Throughout the day, Muslims abstain from food and drink, as well as other physical needs, in a demonstration of self-control and empathy for those less fortunate. This practice, as outlined by the Indian Express, is not just a test of willpower but a core tenet of Islamic faith, fostering spiritual growth and compassion within the community.
But as the sun edges toward the horizon, anticipation builds for Iftar—the moment when the day’s fast is broken. The precise timing of Iftar is crucial, and it varies not just by state but often by city and even neighborhood. On February 21, 2026, the Indian Express provided a comprehensive guide to Iftar timings across major Indian cities. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, Iftar was observed at 6:17 PM. Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh, broke fast at 6:03 PM, while Mumbai and Ahmedabad, both further west, waited until 6:40 PM. Hyderabad observed Iftar at 6:21 PM, and Chennai’s window fell between 6:20 and 6:25 PM. Eastern cities like Kolkata and Guwahati experienced earlier sunsets, with Iftar times from 6:00 to 6:20 PM.
These variations are shaped by India’s sheer geographic breadth. As the Indian Express explains, "Iftar times differ slightly due to geographic location, longitude, and sunset patterns, with western and southern cities experiencing later sunsets compared to northern and eastern regions." Even within a single state, local factors—such as topography or urban development—can nudge sunset times by a few minutes, prompting many families to verify timings with their local mosque or an official Ramadan calendar. The Indian Express cautions that "Iftar timings are approximate and may vary slightly by locality; verify with local mosque or official Ramadan calendar."
The spiritual significance of these rituals cannot be overstated. Fasting during Ramadan is viewed as a fundamental act of worship, one that demonstrates discipline, humility, and solidarity with the poor. Each evening, as the call to prayer echoes from mosques, families and neighbors gather to share Iftar. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, followed by a light meal. The sense of togetherness is palpable, especially at community gatherings where the faithful unite in gratitude and prayer.
Nightfall brings another cherished Ramadan tradition: Taraweeh prayers. These special nightly prayers, held in mosques across India, draw worshippers together in long rows, reciting verses from the Quran and reflecting on their spiritual journey. The Indian Express highlights, "People from the community gather at local mosques to conduct their nightly prayers, which they call Taraweeh, while they enjoy Iftar dinners with both their relatives and their neighbors." The combination of prayer, fasting, and communal meals creates a tapestry of faith that is both intensely personal and vibrantly communal.
Yet, the logistics of Ramadan observance in India are as complex as they are meaningful. On February 21, 2026, Sehri generally ended before 5:40 AM across most of the country, according to the Indian Express. This early start requires careful planning, especially for families with children or elderly members. As the day unfolds, the anticipation of Iftar becomes a focal point, with many planning their days around the evening meal. The Indian Express offers a detailed breakdown of Iftar times for states including Punjab (6:10–6:15 PM), Haryana (6:15 PM), Rajasthan (6:20 PM), Uttarakhand (6:05–6:10 PM), Himachal Pradesh (6:10 PM), and Jammu & Kashmir (6:15 PM), among others.
As Ramadan progresses, these daily rituals become second nature, yet each day brings its own set of challenges and rewards. The discipline of early mornings and late evenings, the patience required to wait for sunset, and the warmth of shared meals all contribute to the unique atmosphere of the holy month. Observers are reminded that while guides and calendars are helpful, local verification is always best—especially in a country as vast and varied as India.
For Indian Muslims, Ramadan 2026 is not just a matter of clocks and calendars—it is a living tradition that adapts to the rhythms of daily life, the arc of the sun, and the bonds of community. Whether in the bustling streets of Mumbai or the quiet lanes of Lucknow, the essence of Ramadan remains the same: a time for renewal, reflection, and reaching out to others.