The holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH is approaching. As the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the exact start date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal). Based on astronomical calculations, here is the projected schedule for Ramadan 2026 in India.
Ramadan 2026 Expected Start Date
While the final confirmation will come from local Hilal Committees, the following dates are tentatively observed:
- Moon Sighting Attempt (29th Shaban): Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- Expected First Day of Fasting: Thursday, February 19, 2026.
- Alternate Start Date: If the moon is not sighted on Wednesday, the first fast will be observed on Friday, February 20, 2026.
In Kerala, religious authorities often align with the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. If the moon is sighted there on February 17, some regions in Kerala may begin fasting on February 18, 2026.
Key Dates in the Ramadan 2026 Calendar
| Event | Expected Date (Subject to Moon Sighting) |
| First Day of Ramadan | February 19, 2026 |
| Start of Last 10 Nights | March 10, 2026 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (27th Night) | March 16 or 17, 2026 |
| Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 | March 20 or 21, 2026 |
Ramadan Timings for Kerala (District-wise)
Fasting begins at dawn (Sehri) and ends at sunset (Iftar). Below are the approximate timings for the first week of Ramadan in major Kerala cities:
Kochi (Cochin)
- Sehri (Ends): 05:33 AM
- Iftar (Starts): 06:34 PM
Kozhikode (Calicut)
- Sehri (Ends): 05:35 AM
- Iftar (Starts): 06:35 PM
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
- Sehri (Ends): 05:29 AM
- Iftar (Starts): 06:33 PM
Malappuram
- Sehri (Ends): 05:34 AM
- Iftar (Starts): 06:35 PM
Ramadan 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does the Ramadan date change every year?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which is roughly 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. This causes Ramadan to move forward by about 10 days each year.
2. When is the first Taraweeh prayer?
The first Taraweeh prayers are held on the night the moon is sighted, immediately preceding the first day of fasting.
3. When is the last date to pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrah) must be paid before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer so that the less fortunate can also celebrate the festival.
4. Will there be a holiday for Ramadan start?
In 2026, the expected start date of February 19 coincides with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, which is a public holiday in several Indian states.
