Ramadan Moon Sighting 2026 in India: Crescent Moon Sighted; Roza To Begin From Feb 19

Ramadan has officially begun in parts of the Gulf after the crescent moon was sighted on Wednesday, February 18. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates confirmed the new moon, and Muslims there observed the first fast the same day.

In India, the start of Ramadan depends on local moon sighting reports. Crescent moon were sighted in different parts of Delhi, marking the start of Ramadan in India. The Markazi Royat-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the moon sighting, with similar announcements from Lucknow and Telangana's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, signalling that roza will begin from Thursday, February 19, 2026, across most states.

The first roza signals the start of Ramadan, as Muslims begin a month of fasting from dawn to sunset. The day opens with sehri, the pre dawn meal, and concludes with iftar at sunset. Fasting during Ramadan goes beyond avoiding food and drink. It is a time for self control, increased prayers, recitation of the Quran, reflection and acts of charity, setting the foundation for a month devoted to faith and inner growth.

The holy month ends with Meethi Eid, a celebration known for sharing sweet dishes such as seviyan and sheer khurma. After 29 or 30 days of fasting, prayer and charity, Eid marks a joyful conclusion to the period of spiritual discipline and devotion.

What Happens in India?

Religious bodies and local moon sighting committees collect testimonies after sunset before making an official announcement.

If the crescent is seen anywhere in India on February 18, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19.

If the moon is not visible, the month of Sha'ban will complete 30 days, and the first fast will be observed on Friday, February 20.

The expected crescent visibility window in most cities falls between 15 and 30 minutes after sunset, roughly between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM IST depending on the region.

City-Wise Expected Viewing Windows

In North India, cities such as New Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow and Chandigarh are likely to have a visibility window shortly after 6:00 PM, generally lasting about 20 to 25 minutes.

In West India, including Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Surat, the best time to look for the crescent is slightly later, closer to 6:40 PM to 7:10 PM.

In South India, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, the crescent may appear between approximately 6:10 PM and 7:00 PM depending on local sunset times.

In East and Central India, including Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Bhopal and Raipur, observers should scan the western horizon shortly after sunset, typically between 5:50 PM and 6:55 PM.

Clear skies are essential, as the crescent will be very thin and low on the horizon.

How to Spot the Ramadan Crescent

Experts advise facing west about 15 to 25 minutes after sunset. The moon will appear slim and faint, so areas with an unobstructed horizon offer the best chance of visibility. Binoculars may help if there is haze or dust, though many communities prefer naked-eye confirmation supported by witnesses.

The viewing window is short. After roughly 20 to 30 minutes, the moon dips closer to the horizon and becomes difficult to see.

Ramadan Prayer Timings in Saudi Arabia

For the first day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, the prayer schedule on February 18 is as follows: Fajr at 5:08 AM, Sunrise at 6:25 AM, Dhuhr at 12:07 PM, Asr at 3:22 PM, Maghrib at 5:49 PM and Isha at 7:01 PM (Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3). Fajr marks the end of Sehri, while Maghrib signals the time to break the fast.

The Inside the Haramain's tweet, mentions: "Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been SIGHTED Subsequently, tomorrow i.e Wednesday, 18 February 2026 will be the first day of Ramadan 1447 Ramadan Mubarak!"

Why Do Dates Differ?

Ramadan begins with the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days. Because moon visibility varies due to geography and weather, countries often begin on different dates.

Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE usually announce the start earlier due to their observation systems and position. India and many South Asian countries commonly begin a day later once local sightings are confirmed.

As India awaits the final announcement, preparations are underway for a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity. The official decision expected after sunset will determine whether the first fast is observed on February 19 or 20.