Muslims across India will begin their third fast (Roza) of Ramadan 2025 on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The month of Ramadan, which commenced on Sunday, March 2, is marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, with each day beginning with the pre-dawn meal known as Sehri and breaking the fast with Iftar at sunset.
During Ramadan, Muslims are mandated to fast as it is considered one of the pillars of Islam. This fasting aids individuals in developing self-discipline and self-restraint, which serves as both a personal challenge and communal act of spirituality. Team Latestly reported, "Fasting is mandatory to help Muslims learn self-discipline and self-restraint." It is also believed to commemorate the moment the holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
The formal meals of Sehri and Iftar are particularly significant during this month. Sehri, which is consumed prior to the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer, is the last meal before the fast begins. Conversely, Iftar occurs immediately after sunset and is marked by communal gatherings, often starting with the consumption of dates and water. Timings for Sehri and Iftar vary from city to city, reflecting local geographical differences.
For the third day of Ramadan on March 4, 2025, the following Sehri and Iftar timings are observed across major Indian cities:
City: Sehri and Iftar Timings for March 4, 2025
Delhi: Sehri at 5:24 AM, Iftar at 6:25 PM
Mumbai: Sehri at 5:42 AM, Iftar at 6:46 PM
Lucknow: Sehri at 5:09 AM, Iftar at 6:11 PM
Kolkata: Sehri at 4:40 AM, Iftar at 5:42 PM
Hyderabad: Sehri at 5:30 AM, Iftar at 6:31 PM
Pune: Sehri at 5:38 AM, Iftar at 6:45 PM
Bengaluru: Sehri at 5:23 AM, Iftar at 6:33 PM
Chennai: Sehri at 5:12 AM, Iftar at 6:19 PM
Jaipur: Sehri at 5:30 AM, Iftar at 6:33 PM
Bhopal: Sehri at 5:24 AM, Iftar at 6:28 PM
Srinagar: Sehri at 5:32 AM, Iftar at 6:37 PM
Patna: Sehri at 4:53 AM, Iftar at 5:54 PM
Guwahati: Sehri at 4:26 AM, Iftar at 5:28 PM
Kochi: Sehri at 5:27 AM, Iftar at 6:36 PM
Ahmedabad: Sehri at 5:43 AM, Iftar at 6:46 PM
Noida: Sehri at 5:23 AM, Iftar at 6:25 PM
Gurugram: Sehri at 5:25 AM, Iftar at 6:26 PM
It is noteworthy to mention the broader significance of Ramadan. Muslims throughout the month engage not only in fasting but also focus on prayer, charity, and acts of kindness. Observing Ramadan serves to strengthen community bonds among Muslims, as they come together for prayers and Iftar meals.
Many view the month as not just a time for abstinence but also for reflection and connection with one another. Team Latestly states, "Muslims treat Ramadan as a holy month as they believe the holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad during this period." These sentiments underline the spirit of Ramadan, blending spirituality with communal ties and reinforcing individual faith.
For those observing Ramadan, keeping track of the precise timings of Sehri and Iftar is important, as improperly timed meals can result in invalidation of the fast. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to diligently check local prayer timings and plan accordingly.
To ease the process, various community centers and mosques often provide precise prayer and meal timings throughout the month. This communal effort brings people together and allows everyone to partake fully in the Ramadan experience.
While fasting is primarily seen as a personal act of worship, it holds greater community significance as well. Individuals who come together for Iftar share not just food but create lasting memories during this sacred month. With its blend of traditions, cultural practices, and deep-rooted spirituality, Ramadan stands out as one of the most significant religious observances for the Muslim community worldwide.
Overall, as Muslims prepare to observe their third fast on March 4, 2025, they acknowledge the blend of discipline, community engagement, and spirituality embodied by this holy month.