Ramadan 2026 Moon time: Fasting begins in Saudi Arabia, India to confirm start after moon sighting

Ramadan has already commenced in Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf nations after the crescent moon was seen on Tuesday evening, with the first fast observed on Wednesday, February 18. Mosques held the first Taraweeh prayers, and families observed sehri before dawn. Prayer timings on the first day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia were: Fajr at 5:08 AM, sunrise at 6:25 AM, Dhuhr at 12:07 PM, Asr at 3:22 PM, Maghrib at 5:49 PM and Isha at 7:01 PM.

Ramzan fasts will begin in India from Thursday if the crescent moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed told PTI.

In India, the beginning of Ramadan depends on local moon sighting. People across cities will look toward the western horizon after sunset on Wednesday. Mosque committees will confirm the sighting based on reports from different regions. The crescent moon is expected to be visible between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM IST in many parts of the country. If sighted, fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19. If not, the month of Sha’ban will complete 30 days and Ramadan will begin on February 20.


Also Read: When will Ramzan 2026 start? Expected dates, historical background and religious significance

Ramzan city-wise moon sighting timings in India

The likely moon visibility windows on February 18 are:

North India
New Delhi – 6:18 PM to 6:42 PM
Gurugram – 6:19 PM to 6:43 PM
Chandigarh – 6:20 PM to 6:44 PM
Jaipur – 6:25 PM to 6:48 PM
Lucknow – 6:07 PM to 6:30 PM
Varanasi – 6:02 PM to 6:25 PM

West India
Mumbai – 6:45 PM to 7:10 PM
Pune – 6:40 PM to 7:05 PM
Ahmedabad – 6:40 PM to 7:05 PM
Surat – 6:43 PM to 7:08 PM

South India
Bengaluru – 6:35 PM to 7:00 PM
Hyderabad – 6:25 PM to 6:50 PM
Chennai – 6:10 PM to 6:35 PM
Kochi – 6:20 PM to 6:45 PM
Thiruvananthapuram – 6:22 PM to 6:47 PM

East and Central India
Kolkata – 5:50 PM to 6:15 PM
Bhubaneswar – 5:55 PM to 6:20 PM
Patna – 6:00 PM to 6:25 PM
Bhopal – 6:30 PM to 6:55 PM
Raipur – 6:15 PM to 6:40 PM

Those seeking to sight the crescent moon should look shortly after sunset toward the western horizon. The moon is expected to appear thin and low in the sky, with the best visibility generally within 15 to 25 minutes after sunset.

When does Ramzan begin in India

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. As visibility depends on location and weather conditions, countries may begin fasting on different days. Gulf nations often confirm the sighting earlier, while countries in South Asia may commence a day later.

With the moon confirmed in Gulf countries and awaited in India, preparations are underway for a month of fasting, prayer and reflection.