Ramadan Begins Across India With Community Fasts

As the sun dipped below the horizon on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the bustling streets near New Delhi’s Jama Masjid filled with Muslim devotees, signaling the beginning of Ramadan in India. Across the country, families gathered to break their fasts, marking the first day of the Islamic holy month—a period characterized by fasting, prayer, and deep reflection for millions of Muslims worldwide. According to AFP, the scene at Jama Masjid was one of anticipation and reverence, as people came together to observe traditions that have been followed for centuries. Ramadan, known in some regions as Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar. Its start is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a practice that links communities across the globe. Typically, the crescent is first seen in Gulf countries and Western regions. India and its neighboring countries, following their own moon-sighting announcements, begin fasting a day later. This year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations began their dawn-to-dusk fasts on Wednesday, February 18, after the crescent was observed on the evening of February 17. In India, the faithful commenced their first fast on Thursday, February 19, as reported by Times Now. The essence of Ramadan lies in its observance of Sawm, the fourth pillar of Islam. Sawm, or fasting, is much more than abstaining from food and water; it’s an exercise in self-control, gratitude, and compassion. Through this discipline, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their blessings and to extend kindness to those less fortunate. According to AFP, the act of fasting is a commemoration of the history of Ramadan and a means to foster empathy within the community. Each day of Ramadan follows a distinct rhythm, marked by two essential meals: Sehri (or Suhoor) and Iftar. Sehri is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the Fajr (morning) prayer, signaling the start of the day’s fast. Iftar, on the other hand, is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, after the Maghrib (evening) prayer. As the length of daylight shifts throughout the month, the timing of these meals varies daily and by location. For instance, on Friday, February 20, the Sehri and Iftar times were as follows: Lucknow’s Sehri began at 5:20 AM with Iftar at 6:03 PM; New Delhi’s Sehri was at 5:35 AM and Iftar at 6:16 PM; Hyderabad’s Sehri started at 5:26 AM, with Iftar at 6:21 PM (AFP). These timings are not just about logistics—they are woven into the spiritual and communal fabric of Ramadan. The pre-dawn meal, Sehri, is meant to fortify the body for the day ahead, providing nourishment that sustains worshippers through hours of abstinence. As Times Now explains, the meal before dawn is a critical tradition, with families rising early to share food and prepare mentally for the fast. Local mosque committees and moon-sighting bodies often publish slight adjustments to these times, ensuring that each community aligns with the precise moments of prayer and fasting. At sunset, the fast is traditionally broken with dates and water, a practice rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. This simple act is both physically restorative and spiritually significant. The Iftar meal quickly transforms into a larger gathering, with families, friends, and neighbors coming together. According to Times Now, this communal breaking of the fast reinforces social bonds and shared faith, often accompanied by prayers and moments of reflection. The call to prayer for Maghrib, or adhan, marks the exact time for Iftar, transforming the meal into a moment of gratitude and connection. The spiritual significance of Iftar extends beyond nourishment. It is a time when Muslims pause to express thanks for their sustenance and reflect on the day’s lessons in patience and empathy. As Times Now notes, "Breaking fast in congregation with family, friends or the wider community reinforces bonds and shared faith, often accompanied by prayers and reflection." This tradition, observed in homes and mosques alike, is a reminder of the importance of community in Islam. City-wise, Iftar timings on February 19, 2026, varied across India’s major metros. In New Delhi, the window for Iftar was between 6:14 PM and 6:15 PM; in Mumbai, it fell between 6:40 PM and 6:42 PM; Hyderabad’s Iftar was from 6:20 PM to 6:22 PM; Bengaluru observed Iftar between 6:26 PM and 6:28 PM; Lucknow’s Iftar was at 6:01 PM; Kolkata’s was at 5:36 PM; Chennai’s was between 6:16 PM and 6:17 PM; and in Ahmedabad, it was at 6:38 PM (Times Now). These variations, though minor, highlight the importance of local observation and the role of community leaders in guiding the faithful. Throughout Ramadan, the daily fast is not just an individual act of worship but a collective experience. The month is marked by increased charitable giving, nightly prayers (Taraweeh), and a focus on spiritual growth. The discipline of fasting, as reported by AFP, encourages Muslims to practice self-control and gratitude, while also fostering a sense of unity. The rituals of Sehri and Iftar, observed in homes, mosques, and community centers, are at the heart of this unity, bringing people together regardless of social or economic status. Ramadan’s significance is further underscored by its role in commemorating key events in Islamic history. The month is believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This spiritual backdrop adds depth to the daily practices, infusing each fast with a sense of purpose and reverence. For many, the experience is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding—a time to renew faith, strengthen family ties, and support the less fortunate through acts of charity. As the holy month unfolds, the rhythm of life in India and across the Muslim world shifts to accommodate the demands of fasting and prayer. Shops adjust their hours, workplaces offer flexibility, and communities organize special events. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and celebration, culminating in the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Until then, each day is a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of tradition. With Ramadan 2026 now underway, Muslims in India and around the globe are once again embracing the challenges and joys of this sacred month. From the early morning meals to the communal gatherings at sunset, the rituals of Sehri and Iftar serve as daily reminders of the values at the heart of Islam: compassion, gratitude, and unity.