Ramadan Dates 2026 India: Ramazan begins from February 18 or 19? Check suhoor and iftar timings, fasting hours, rules Muslims should follow

The holy month of Ramadan is all set to begin across the world and Muslims are waiting eagerly for the sighting of the moon to begin fasting in 2026. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18th or 19th this year. If the moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, February 18th, the first fast will be observed on Thursday, February 19th. However, if the moon is not sighted on that day and the 30 days of Shaban are completed, the first fast will be observed on Friday, February 20th.

Ramadan Start Date in India

In India, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around February 18-19, 2026, depending on the crescent moon sighting. Muslims across the globe are preparing for a month of fasting, reflection and community. The holy month lasts approximately 29–30 days and culminates in Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.

However, in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the moon is often sighted a day earlier than in India. Therefore, fasting there may begin on February 18th, while in India, it is more likely to begin on February 19th.

Ramadan fasting hours in 2026

During the holy month of Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from dawn (suhoor meal) until sunset (iftar) daily and abstain from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs during daylight hours. The exact suhoor and iftar times vary by location and are based on sunrise and sunset each day.

Ramadan 2026: Fasting Duration by Region

Ramadan 2026 falls close to the spring equinox, making fasting durations more uniform globally.

Northern Hemisphere (Europe, North America): ~12–13 hours per day

United Kingdom: ~14–16 hours

Middle East & UAE: ~12–13 hours, with iftar in early evening

India & South Asia: ~12.5–14 hours

Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia): ~12–13 hours

Southern Hemisphere (Chile, New Zealand): ~14–15 hours initially

Locations near the poles or extreme latitudes show more variation, but differences narrow by the end of Ramadan as daylight hours converge.

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India Ramadan start date

Dubai: Suhoor ends ~5:30 AM, Iftar ~6:15–6:20 PM

New Delhi: Suhoor ends ~5:35 AM, Iftar ~6:15–6:20 PM

London: Suhoor ends ~5:30 AM, Iftar ~5:50 PM

Suhoor marks the last meal before fasting begins at Fajr, and Iftar is at Maghrib (sunset) each day.

What's new in Ramadan 2026

Ramadan 2026: Key Dates & Observances

Moon sighting: The start of Ramadan depends on local moon sightings, a tradition followed by many Muslim communities, adding uncertainty until the night before it begins.

Expected start: February 18–19, 2026

Fasting hours globally: ~12–14 hours per day (longer in southern latitudes)

Suhoor: Before dawn

Iftar: At sunset

Eid ul-Fitr: Expected around March 19, 2026

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Ramadan 2026: Regional Adjustments

In parts of the UAE and Middle East, working and school hours are adjusted to accommodate fasting schedules.

Across continents, Muslims are preparing spiritually, physically, and socially, with some countries organizing community activities in advance.

Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is more than abstaining from food. It is a time for:

Increased prayer and Quran study

Acts of charity and personal reflection

Strengthening bonds with family and community

While exact dates depend on moon sighting announcements, Eid ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, is expected in mid-March 2026.

(With TOI inputs)