Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. This Holiday highlights the practice of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. This spiritual observance's primary purpose is to promote self-discipline, self-reflection, and empathy for those less fortunate. Different aspects of Ramadan include fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in increased prayer and recitation of the Quran, giving to charity, and striving to purify one's character.

The observance of Ramadan is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, observed since the time of Prophet Mohammad. This sacred month holds significant importance for Muslims in India, which is home to one of the world's largest Muslim populations. Here, Ramadan takes on a unique flavour influenced by India's diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. It becomes a remarkable time of heightened piety, intense devotion and celebratory meals that foster a sense of community. The Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast) are characteristic of Ramadan celebrations in India, where regional cuisine adds a gastronomic dimension to the holy month.

Ramadan in India is marked by a flurry of activities. Community-centric 'Iftar parties' are a common sight, where people of different faiths come together to break the fast, promoting communal harmony. Nightly Taraweeh prayers are conducted in mosques throughout the country. Indian towns and cities glow with festive lights, and stalls selling dates and delicacies spring up as sundown nears. Ramadan concludes with the festive celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of gratitude and joy. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the occurrence of Ramadan varies from year to year. In India, it usually lands between April and June and is eagerly awaited by the Muslim community.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ramadan (Begins) in India

• In 2026, the observance falls during the late winter and early spring months, offering Indian devotees more moderate temperatures and relatively shorter fasting durations of approximately 13 hours compared to the intense summer cycles of previous years.
• The culinary landscape in Hyderabad will be dominated by the seasonal arrival of Haleem, a rich meat-and-lentil stew that is slow-cooked for hours and served extensively during Iftar gatherings across the city.
• Devotees and food enthusiasts are expected to throng the historic Mohammed Ali Road in Mumbai and the lanes surrounding Jama Masjid in Delhi to experience the vibrant night markets and traditional street foods like Nihari and Sheer Khurma.
• Spiritual activity peaks during the last ten nights of the month as believers seek The Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, which is considered the most sacred night in the Islamic calendar for prayer and reflection.
• Bollywood fans are anticipating major cinematic releases around the festival, with the high-octane comedy Dhamaal 4 and the action-packed sequel Dhurandhar 2 slated to hit theaters to coincide with the holiday weekend.
• Television audiences in India can look forward to special festive programming such as the seasonal transmission Mehfil E Ramzan and various cooking segments featuring traditional recipes for the pre-dawn meal known as Sehri.
• The community focus remains on the third pillar of Islam through the practice of Zakat, where families calculate and distribute a portion of their wealth to support the less fortunate before the conclusion of the holy month.
• Many travelers and pilgrims from India plan visits to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan during this period, as it serves as a major focal point for communal harmony and spiritual devotion during the fasting month.
• In 2026, the start of the holy month is expected to coincide with Shivaji Jayanti in certain regions, potentially leading to overlapping cultural celebrations and local adjustments in market schedules.
• Children across the country look forward to receiving Eidi, a traditional gift of money or clothes from elders, which is typically distributed during the concluding festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In the News and Trending in India for Ramadan

Top things to do in India for Ramadan

• The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
• During Ramadan, Muslims congregate every night in the mosque to pray Taraweeh prayers in congregation. In the United States, in between sets of prayers, the Imam gives a brief sermon and encourages people to give to charity.
• Participate in Lucknow's Ramadan celebrations: Lucknow is known for its rich culture, and during Ramadan, it’s decorated beautifully. The city's famed Awadhi cuisine can be enjoyed at various Iftar parties.
• Read a book to learn more about Ramadan in India:
  Celebrating Ramadan - by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith - Though not India-specific, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of Ramadan that can be applied to its observance in all countries.
  Fasting, Feasting - by Anita Desai - A novel by renowned Indian author Anita Desai that provides a deep cultural insight into Indian Muslim Life.
  Islamic Hindu And Christian Fundamentalism Compared: Public Policy In India - by T.K. Oommen - This book highlights the religious practices of the three major religions including Ramadan.