Ramzan fasts are set to commence in India on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon, which signifies the beginning of the holy month. This announcement was made on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by religious leaders across the country.
Notably, Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, the Shahi Imam of Chandni Chowk’s Fatehpuri mosque, confirmed the sighting, stating that the month of fasting will begin as anticipated. Similarly, Syed Shaban Bukhari, the Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, also declared the moon’s appearance.
For the next 30 days, Muslims will engage in fasting from dawn until dusk, a practice that emphasizes spiritual reflection and community engagement. During this sacred period, special evening prayers known as Taraweeh will be conducted in mosques, where the entire Quran is recited until the sighting of the Eid moon, marking the end of Ramadan.
Mufti Mukarram has extended a heartfelt appeal to the Muslim community, urging them to dedicate their prayers to the well-being of the 1.4 billion people in the country. This call to prayer highlights the essence of unity and compassion that characterizes the month of Ramzan, offering a hope-filled reminder of the power of community and faith during these spiritually significant days.