Ramadan 2026 Begins Worldwide With Varying Timings

As the crescent moon was sighted earlier this week, millions of Muslims across the globe have begun observing Ramadan 2026, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The start of Ramadan, a period marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity, depends on the local sighting of the new moon—a tradition that continues to shape the rhythm of life in Muslim communities from Delhi to Detroit and beyond. According to The Economic Times, India is expected to begin fasting on February 19, 2026, following the official moon sighting and confirmation. This start date aligns with announcements made in mosques across the country, where the azaan, or call to prayer, signaled the commencement of the sacred month. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and many Gulf nations began fasting a day earlier, on February 18, after the crescent moon was spotted on the evening of February 17, as reported by Al Jazeera and other international outlets. This slight difference—rooted in local astronomical observations—highlights the diversity of practice and unity of purpose that defines Ramadan worldwide. For Muslims, Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. It is a period of heightened spiritual discipline, introspection, and generosity. As India Today points out, observers refrain not only from eating, drinking, and smoking, but also from negative thoughts and actions, seeking to purify both body and soul. Many also donate food and clothes to those in need and invite family and friends to share in the daily breaking of the fast, known as iftar. The daily routine during Ramadan is structured around two key meals: Sehri, the pre-dawn meal, and Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. The precise timing of these meals varies by city and country, influenced by local sunrise and sunset times. For instance, on the first day of Ramadan in India—February 19, 2026—Delhi’s Sehri is expected at 5:39 AM and Iftar at 6:13 PM, while Mumbai’s timings are 5:52 AM and 6:40 PM, respectively, according to The Economic Times. Elsewhere, Kolkata’s Sehri is as early as 4:51 AM, and Iftar at 5:35 PM, reflecting the city’s eastern location. Globally, the duration of fasting varies significantly. In New Delhi, the fast on the first day lasts just over 12 hours, from 5:37 AM to 6:15 PM. But in places like Canberra, Australia, Muslims will fast for more than 14 hours, with Sehri at 5:09 AM and Iftar at 7:57 PM, as reported by Al Jazeera. In Stockholm, Sweden, where daylight hours can be extreme, the first day’s fast stretches from 4:57 AM to 4:49 PM, and by the last day, Sehri begins at a bleary-eyed 3:29 AM. These variations underscore the adaptability and resilience of those who observe Ramadan, regardless of geography or season. The timing of Ramadan shifts each year—by about ten days—because the Islamic lunar calendar is eleven days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar. This means that Ramadan gradually moves through all seasons over a 33-year cycle. According to Al Jazeera, for most nations in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours are currently at their shortest and will continue to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will coincide with the winter solstice. For those living south of the equator, however, fasting hours are growing longer, a trend that will continue for several more years. Remarkably, in 2030, Ramadan will occur twice—once in January and again in December—due to the lunar calendar’s alignment with the solar year. Ramadan is also a time of communal worship and togetherness. Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers—Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (early afternoon), Asr (late afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night)—with special emphasis during this month. As reported by USA Today, the fast each day begins with the Fajr prayer, following Sehri, and ends with the Maghrib prayer, when the call to prayer (adhan) signals that it’s time for Iftar. These prayers, one of the five pillars of Islam, can be performed anywhere, but during Ramadan, they often bring families and communities together in mosques and homes. In the United States, Muslims in cities like Columbus, Ohio, can check local prayer and Iftar times using resources such as IslamicFinder. For example, on February 19, 2026, the Maghrib prayer in Columbus will mark the end of the day’s fast, though the exact time depends on the city’s sunset. The flexibility in prayer locations and the ability to make up missed prayers reflect the practical aspects of Islamic worship, especially for those navigating work, school, and other commitments during Ramadan. Ramadan’s significance extends beyond personal devotion. It is a time for charity, known as zakat, another pillar of Islam. Many Muslims use this month to make donations and support the less fortunate, embodying the values of compassion and community. The culmination of Ramadan is Eid-Al-Fitr, a festival of joy and gratitude that marks the end of fasting. In India and many other countries, Eid will be celebrated on March 19, 2026, following the completion of 29 or 30 days of fasting, depending on the moon sighting. Despite the variations in start dates, meal timings, and fasting durations, the essence of Ramadan remains constant: a shared commitment to faith, self-discipline, and generosity. Whether in bustling metropolises like Mumbai and New York or quieter corners of the globe, Muslims are united by the rhythms of prayer, fasting, and community that define this sacred month. As each sunset brings the promise of Iftar and each dawn the challenge of a new fast, Ramadan 2026 is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the universal search for meaning and connection. With the holy month underway, families and communities from Delhi to Columbus gather in anticipation of the spiritual rewards and communal bonds that Ramadan brings, mindful of the moon’s guiding light and the timeless rituals that unite them across continents and generations.