Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, is underway in India and began on February 19. It marks a period of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal for Muslims across the country.
The beginning of Ramadan is traditionally based on the sighting of the crescent moon. It is usually first observed in the Gulf countries and western regions, and a day later in India and neighboring nations.
What are Sehri and Iftar?
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and the two key meals are Sehri and Iftar.
Sehri (Suhoor): This is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the Fajr (morning) prayer, which marks the beginning of the daily fast.
Iftar: This is the food eaten to break the fast in the evening, after the Maghrib (evening) prayer.
Do Sehri and Iftar timings vary from city to city?
The length of daylight hours changes throughout the month, Sehri and Iftar timings vary regularly. Across India, from Lucknow and Delhi to Kolkata and Hyderabad, exact timings depend on the city. For example, this year, Sehri in Kolkata arrives 30-35 minutes earlier than in New Delhi.
What are the Sehri and Iftar timings for March 1?
Here is a look at the Sehri and Iftar timings for various cities in India for March 1:
How is Ramadan celebrated in India, Saudi Arabia and around the world?
In India, Ramadan is characterized by lively night markets and large iftar gatherings with traditional foods such as kebabs, biryani and dates. Special Taraweeh night prayers are held in mosques, and charity and food distribution are important aspects.
In Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, Ramadan is marked by growing spiritual fervor. Millions of worshipers gather at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Families gather to enjoy traditional meals and work hours are reduced to accommodate the fast.
Across the Middle East, cities like Dubai host Ramadan night markets and themed tents, where communities gather to enjoy suhoor and iftar meals. In Türkiye, popular customs remain communal iftar events and traditional drumming to wake people up for suhoor.
In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Ramadan bazaars and nightly prayers at major mosques remain central elements of the celebrations. In Western countries, interfaith iftar gatherings are held to bridge cultural gaps and foster community cohesion, as well as complement work or studies.
