Ramadan 2026: Right time for Iftar in major cities including Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, see details here

New Delhi:The holy month of Ramzan has started in India, which started from 19th February. This month is a time of fasting, prayer, introspection and spiritual renewal for Muslims. Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the moon, which is usually seen earlier in the Gulf countries and a day later in India and neighboring countries.

During Ramadan, fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. There are two main meals during this period – Sehri and Iftar. Due to different lengths of days in different cities of the country, there is a difference in their timings. On March 1, Sehri and Iftar timings are different in major cities across the country, which helps Muslims prepare for their prayers.

What are Sehri and Iftar?

In Ramadan, Muslims consume Sehri before the Fajr Azaan, which marks the beginning of the fast. This is a pre-dawn meal, which provides energy to the body for the whole day. Iftar is taken after the sunset prayers, which is the main meal to break the fast. It usually includes dates, water and traditional dishes.

Sehri and Iftar timings in major cities

Here are the Sehri and Iftar timings of various cities for March 1-

• New Delhi:- Sehri – 5:27 am, Iftar – 6:22 pm

• Hyderabad:- Sehri – 5:21 am, Iftar – 6:24 pm

• Mumbai:- Sehri – 5:38 am, Iftar – 6:44 pm

• Bengaluru:- Sehri – 5:24 am, Iftar – 6:30 pm

• Lucknow:- Sehri – 5:12 am, Iftar – 6:08 pm

• Chennai:- Sehri – 05:13 am, Iftar – 6:18 pm

• Kolkata:- Sehri – 04:43 am, Iftar – 5:41 pm

How is Ramzan celebrated in India?

The atmosphere of Ramadan in India is full of enthusiasm. There is hustle and bustle in the evening markets, where people shop for Iftar. Kebabs, biryani, dates and other traditional dishes are prepared on a large scale. Taraweeh prayers are performed in mosques and charity and distribution of food among the poor hold special importance.

Features of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, home to Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest sites, spiritual fervor is at its peak during Ramadan. Lakhs of devotees gather for worship at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabavi. Families celebrate Iftar and Sehri together and working hours are reduced.

Ramadan traditions around the world

Cities in the Middle East such as Dubai hold Ramadan night markets and themed tents, where people gather for Sehri and Iftar. In Türkiye, people are woken up for Sehri by the beating of traditional drums and mass iftars are organized.

Late night prayers are prominent in Ramadan markets and large mosques in Indonesia. Interfaith Iftar events are held in Western countries, which increase unity between communities and help balance work and business with fasting.