Mumbai, February 5: Millions of Muslims across India are preparing for the arrival of Ramadan 1447 AH or Ramadan 2026. The holy month of fasting is expected to begin in India on Thursday, February 19, 2026, or Friday, February 20, 2026, depending on the local sighting of the crescent moon. This year's "Winter Ramadan" offers slightly shorter fasting hours compared to the peak summer months of previous decades.

Ramadan or Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest period for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

The transition between months in the Islamic lunar calendar is defined by the physical observation of the hilal, or the first thin crescent of the new moon. Each month begins at sunset rather than midnight, occurring only after the moon has been sighted by the naked eye on the 29th day of the current month. If the moon is obscured by clouds or simply not yet visible, the ongoing month is extended to a full 30 days, ensuring the calendar stays in sync with the natural lunar cycle. Ramadan 2026 Date: When Is Moon Sighting and First Roza in Saudi Arabia?

Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Date

In major parts of India, Shaban, the month before Ramadan, started from January 21, meaning 29th Shaban shall fall on February 18. The moon-sighting committees in various cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, will convene on the evening of February 18 to make to check if the moon is visible.

Ramadan Start Date 2026 in India

The start of Ramadan is traditionally determined by the sighting of the new moon (Hilal) on the 29th day of Shaban, the preceding month. If the moon is sighted on the evening of February 18, the first day of fasting will be February 19. If not, the month of Shaban will complete 30 days, pushing the start of Ramadan to February 20.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations often sight the moon a day earlier, which usually places the start of Ramadan in India 24 hours behind the Middle East.

Ramzan Fasting Significance

Ramadan holds a profound spiritual significance as the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, serving as a period of intense reflection, renewal of faith, and heightened devotion. For Muslims, it is a time to cultivate Taqwa (God-consciousness), aiming to purify the soul from worldly distractions and strengthen the personal bond with the Creator.

This sacred month also fosters a deep sense of community and empathy, as believers worldwide unite in worship, charity and communal prayers, reinforcing the values of patience, gratitude and social responsibility. Ramadan 2026 Date in UAE: When Will Ramzan Start?

Fasting, or Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves abstaining from all food, drink, and physical needs from dawn until sunset. Far beyond mere physical deprivation, the fast is intended to instill self-discipline and redirect the heart toward spiritual growth by restraining the ego and negative behaviors like gossip or anger.

By experiencing the pangs of hunger and thirst firsthand, those fasting are reminded of the hardships faced by the less fortunate, which naturally encourages a spirit of generosity and the obligation of Zakat (almsgiving).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 05, 2026 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).