New Delhi:The holy month of Ramadan (also known as Ramzan or Ramzaan) began in India on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the moon was sighted on Wednesday, February 18. Maulana Asgar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, President of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind (the oldest and largest socio-religious organisation of Indian Muslims) confirmed the moon sighting and announced that fasting would start on Thursday.
Maulana Asgar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi made the announcement after the crescent moon for the holy month of Ramadan was sighted on Wednesday. He recited a common supplication (dua) in Arabic: “Allahumma ahillahu alayna bil-yumni wal-īmān, was-salāmati wal-islām. Rabbi wa rabbuk Allah.” The translation is: “O Allah, bring this moon over us with blessings and faith, with peace and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.” Muslims traditionally recite this specific supplication asking for peace, faith, and safety after sighting the moon of every month.
Many other major Muslim organisations also confirmed the moon sighting. Imarat-E-Sharaiyah Hind and Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind announced the sighting. A statement from Darul Quaza Imarat Shariah, which looks after religious affairs in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, said the crescent was seen in parts of Bihar.
In many countries, including Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Europe, the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, so fasting began there on Wednesday, February 18. In Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and other places, similar announcements were made. In India and some neighbouring countries, the month typically begins a day later due to the timing of the moon sighting.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri). It begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and marks the start of a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims around the world. During the month, observant Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. They abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. This practice is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are also encouraged to donate to the poor through zakaat and engage in more spiritual activities.
In the evening, special prayers called Taraweeh are offered in mosques. During Taraweeh prayers, the entire Quran is recited over the month, and this continues until the sighting of the Eid moon. The holy month is expected to last approximately 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next moon. It concludes with Eid al-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid, where people celebrate by preparing and sharing sweet dishes like seviyan and sheer khurma.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the Muslim community. In a post on X, he wrote “Ramzan Mubarak! May this auspicious month further the spirit of togetherness in our society. May there be peace and prosperity everywhere.” He expressed hopes for togetherness in the holy month.
Several other leaders from across the political spectrum also shared Ramadan wishes. Minority Minister Kiren Rijiju said “May this sacred month bring peace, compassion and spiritual strength to everyone. Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Ramzan.”
Leader of opposition,Rahul Gandhi wrote sharing a Ramadan Mubarak poster on X “May this pious month bring peace, prosperity and good health to everyone.”
Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar greeted on commencement of the holy month of Ramzan. May it bring peace, good health and prosperity.”
Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress shared Warm greetings as the holy month of Ramzan dawns, a time of prayer, reflection, mercy, and redemption. May this sacred month rekindle in us a deeper spirit of service to humanity, and inspire compassion, peace, amity, and harmony in all that we do.”
Meanwhile The Telangana government issued an order permitting Muslim government employees to leave offices and schools at 4:00 PM during the holy month of Ramzan.
According to the state government notification issued on February 17, 2026, the facility has been granted to Muslim government employees, teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, employees of Boards and Corporations, as well as Public Sector employees in the State. The early departure provision is intended to enable employees observing the fast to return home in time to break their fast at sunset and perform religious duties. The order applies across various departments and institutions in Telangana.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. Devotees increase their spiritual activities, including special nightly prayers. The month promotes values of compassion, charity, and unity.
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