Ramadan's Arrival
The sacred observance of Ramadan, a period of intense devotion and fasting, is set to commence in India on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This lunar month,
revered in Islam, is marked by a dawn-to-dusk fast, commencing with a pre-dawn meal known as Sehri and concluding with the evening repast, Iftar. This period of spiritual reflection and discipline will continue until March 19, 2026, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr. Throughout this month, adherents commit to prayer, charitable acts like distributing food and clothing to the less fortunate, and fostering community through shared meals with family and friends.
Observing the Fast
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, spans approximately 29 to 30 days, varying based on the sighting of the crescent moon. During this time, Muslims worldwide engage in rigorous fasting, abstaining from all food and drink from sunrise until sunset. This practice is one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasizing self-discipline, spiritual purification, and empathy for the less fortunate. Beyond dietary restrictions, followers are encouraged to abstain from negative thoughts and actions, maintaining a state of spiritual purity throughout the fasting hours. The sighting of the new moon often dictates the commencement of Ramadan, with countries like Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations typically observing it a day earlier than India and its neighboring regions.
Delhi Timings
For residents in New Delhi, observing the fast requires adherence to precise timings for Sehri and Iftar. On February 19, 2026, Sehri is to be concluded by 05:36 AM, with the fast breaking at Iftar at 06:15 PM. As the month progresses, these times gradually shift. By March 19, 2026, the Sehri time will advance to 05:07 AM, and Iftar will be observed at 06:33 PM. Throughout the period, there's a consistent trend: Sehri times move earlier each day, while Iftar times progress later. For instance, on February 28, 2026, Sehri concludes at 05:28 AM, and Iftar is at 06:21 PM, reflecting the slight daily adjustments.
Hyderabad Timings
In Hyderabad, the schedule for Ramadan observance also adheres to specific timings. On the inaugural day, February 19, 2026, the pre-dawn meal, Sehri, must be completed by 05:27 AM, followed by the Iftar meal at 06:20 PM. As the month unfolds towards its conclusion on March 19, 2026, the Sehri deadline shifts earlier to 05:10 AM, and Iftar will be at 06:27 PM. Examining the daily progression, one can note subtle shifts; for example, on March 1, 2026, Sehri ends at 05:21 AM, and Iftar is at 06:24 PM, illustrating the gradual adjustments over the weeks of fasting.
Mumbai Timings
For those in Mumbai, the timings for Sehri and Iftar during Ramadan 2026 are as follows: the first day, February 19, 2026, calls for Sehri to be finished by 05:46 AM and Iftar to commence at 06:39 PM. By the end of the month, March 19, 2026, these times will adjust to Sehri concluding at 05:22 AM and Iftar beginning at 06:53 PM. Observing the daily changes, we see that Sehri times generally become earlier, and Iftar times become later. For example, on February 28, 2026, Sehri is to be completed by 05:38 AM, with Iftar at 06:44 PM, showcasing the subtle yet consistent daily modifications in the fasting schedule.
