Start Date of Ramadan (Ramzan) 2026: If the crescent moon is visible at approximately 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Ramadan is anticipated to start on that evening.
Dates of Ramadan in 2026: The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri) is Ramadan, sometimes referred to as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan.
For Muslims around the world, it starts when the crescent moon is sighted, marking the start of a time of prayer, meditation, and fasting.
In order to foster a sense of solidarity and spiritual growth, people abstain from food and liquids from sunrise to sunset during this month.
One of Islam’s major festivals, Eid al-Fitr, or the fast-breaking festival, is observed at the end of Ramadan.
Dates & Times of Ramadan in 2026
Depending on whether the crescent moon is visible after 6:00 p.m., Ramadan is anticipated to start this year on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Fasting will start on February 18 if the moon is visible on February 17.
It is anticipated that Eid-al-Fitr would be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the evening after Ramadan ends, perhaps on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Since the crescent moon is initially visible in Saudi Arabia, some parts of India, and some Western nations, India usually observes Ramadan one day after Saudi Arabia.
Ramadan 2026: Traditions and Significance
Around 1,400 years ago, on “Laylat al-Qadr,” one of the five odd-numbered nights that coincide with the final ten days of Ramadan, the prophet Muhammad received revelations from the holy book of the Quran, according to customs and beliefs.
Known as “Roza,” they fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. After sighting the moon, the fast is concluded with iftar. It starts with sehri, a pre-dawn meal.
One of the holiest months in Islam, it is a period of self-discipline, spiritual development, and purification for Muslims all around the world.
“Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” which wish the recipient a blessed and prosperous month, respectively, are the most often used greetings throughout this month.
Q1: When will Ramadan 2026 start?
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon.
If the crescent moon is visible around 6:00 PM on February 17, fasting will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will begin a day later.
Q2: Why does the Ramadan start date change every year?
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar), which is about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Ramadan shifts earlier each year.
Q3: What determines the beginning of Ramadan?
The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Different countries may begin Ramadan on slightly different dates depending on local moon sightings.
Since the crescent moon is first sighted in Saudi Arabia, India often begins Ramadan one day after Saudi Arabia.
Q4: When is Eid al-Fitr expected in 2026?
Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026, depending on moon sighting.
Ramadan may conclude on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, subject to confirmation.
Q5: What is the significance of Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest months in Islam.
It is believed that around 1,400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Holy Quran during Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which falls within the last ten days of Ramadan.
The month emphasizes:
Spiritual reflection
Self-discipline
Charity (Zakat)
Increased prayer and devotion
Q6: What is fasting (Roza) during Ramadan?
Fasting, known as Roza, involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset.
Sehri (Suhoor): Pre-dawn meal before fasting begins
Iftar: Meal at sunset to break the fast
The fast is broken after the evening prayer once the sun sets.
Q7: What is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr, also called the Night of Power, is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed. It falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan and is considered the most spiritually significant night of the year.
Q8: What greetings are used during Ramadan?
The most common greetings during the holy month are:
Ramadan Mubarak – Wishing you a blessed Ramadan
Ramadan Kareem – Wishing you a generous and prosperous Ramadan
