Published: February 17, 2026 | Updated: February 17, 2026 | By NRI Globe Editorial Desk

Table of Contents

1. When Does Ramzan 2026 Start?
2. Key Dates at a Glance
3. What Is Ramzan? Significance for Muslims
4. Sehri & Iftar Timings 2026 — City-Wise
5. The Three Ashras of Ramzan
6. Laylat al-Qadr 2026 — Night of Power
7. Eid ul-Fitr 2026: Date, Celebrations & Traditions
8. How NRIs Celebrate Ramzan and Eid Abroad
9. Zakat & Zakat al-Fitr 2026 — NRI Guide
10. Country-Wise Ramzan 2026 Start Dates
11. FAQs

1. When Does Ramzan 2026 Start?

Ramzan — also known as Ramadan, Ramazan, or Ramzaan — is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It moves every year because the Hijri calendar follows the Moon, not the Sun. For Muslims globally, this month carries a different pace. Daily routines shift. Nights get longer. Mornings begin earlier than usual. It begins not with a fixed date announcement, but with the sighting of the crescent moon.

I India TV Newsn 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and will conclude on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of the moon.

Human Relief Foundation Important for NRIs: The moon sighting date may differ by one day between Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, the UK, USA, and Australia. Always follow your local mosque or Islamic authority for the confirmed date in your country of residence.

2. Ramzan 2026 Key Dates at a Glance

All dates are subject to official moon sighting announcements.

3. What Is Ramzan? Significance for Muslims

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, avoiding food and drink during daylight hours. The month is also marked by increased prayer, charity, self-control, and community iftars. Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. It is linked to the revelation of the Quran and includes Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power), believed to fall in the last 10 nights and regarded as extremely blessed for worship.

F News24onlineasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, intended to bring Muslims closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate.

R Islamic Reliefamadan is divided into three parts called Ashras. Each part focuses on mercy, forgiveness, and safety from hellfire.

F Hamariwebor NRIs living across the UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and beyond — Ramzan is also a powerful emotional anchor: a connection to home, community, and the cultural roots that define the Indian Muslim diaspora.

4. Sehri & Iftar Timings 2026 — City-Wise

The day begins before dawn with Sehri, the pre-fast meal. From sunrise until sunset, no food or drink is consumed. The fast is broken at sunset during Iftar, often starting with dates and water. Alongside physical fasting, many also focus on restraint in speech, behaviour, and intention.

India TV News## India — Approximate Timings, First Week of Ramzan 2026

On the expected first day of Ramadan, initial estimates place Sehri time at around 5:36 AM in major North Indian cities, while Iftar time will be around 6:15 PM. Southern cities generally experience earlier sunrise and sunset, so timings will differ city-wise.

Confirm exact timings with your local mosque, IslamicFinder.org, or Hamariweb.com.

International — Approximate Fasting Duration (Mid-Ramzan)

The fasting time each day varies based on geographic location and daylight hours. Muslims in cities like Oslo or Stockholm may fast longer compared to those in Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE): Around 13–14 hours.

NRI Tip: Use apps like Muslim Pro, Athan, or IslamicFinder for GPS-based Sehri/Iftar alerts wherever you live.

5. The Three Ashras of Ramzan 2026

First Ashra — Rehmat (Mercy): Feb 18–27, 2026 The opening 10 days are for seeking Allah’s Mercy. Muslims increase prayers, begin Quran recitation, and focus on spiritual cleansing. Dua: “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astagheeth”

Second Ashra — Maghfirat (Forgiveness): Feb 28 – Mar 9, 2026 The middle portion is dedicated to seeking forgiveness for past sins. Extended Taraweeh prayers and intensified charity are hallmarks of this Ashra. Dua: “Astaghfirullah Rabbi min kulli zambiyon wa atubu ilaik”

Third Ashra — Nijaat (Salvation): Mar 10–19/20, 2026 The most spiritually charged period, including Laylat al-Qadr and I’tikaf (seclusion for worship). Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before Eid prayers. Dua: “Allahumma ajirni minan naar”

6. Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) 2026

Laylat al-Qadr, also referred to as the Night of Power, is one of the most important and sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Search for the night of qadr in the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan.”

L Islamic Reliefaylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) is expected on the evening of March 16, 2026 (27th night of Ramadan).

T Human Relief Foundationhis is the night the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The reward of worship on Laylat al-Qadr equals more than 83 years of continuous worship. For NRIs with busy professional schedules, scholars advise focusing on at least the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights.

7. Eid ul-Fitr 2026: Date, Celebrations & Traditions

The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration that begins with a special prayer known as the Salat al-Eid. This day is characterised by feasting, wearing new clothes, giving gifts, and spending time with family and friends. It’s also a time when Muslims continue charitable practices by giving Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring that even the less fortunate can join in the festivities.

Human Relief Foundation## Expected Eid ul-Fitr 2026 Dates by Region

Many Muslims in India also wear new clothes, visit family members, exchange Eid cards, and give presents of sweets and small toys to children. National, state, and local government offices, post offices and banks are closed on Eid ul-Fitr.

A Time and Dateccording to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) sunnah, Muslims open their fast with dates and water. Popular Iftar and Eid dishes include sevaiyan, sheer khurma, haleem, nihari, hyderabadi biryani, and kebabs.

• Hamariweb—

8. How NRIs Celebrate Ramzan and Eid Abroad

For millions of NRIs living across the Gulf, UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia, Ramzan and Eid carry a special emotional depth — they are a bridge back to family, identity, and home.

In the Gulf (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait): Ramzan is immersive. Work hours are reduced by law. Iftar buffets are everywhere. Mosques overflow every night. Many NRIs fly home for the last 10 days or for Eid. The Gulf Eid celebrations — with fireworks, markets, and family feasts — are legendary for Indian expats.

In the UK, USA & Canada: Muslim NRI communities organise large Iftar dinners, community Taraweeh nights, and Eid Melas. Cities like London, Birmingham, Toronto, and New York host massive congregational Eid prayers. Many local councils officially recognise Eid as a community celebration.

In Australia & Singapore: Eid is vibrant in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore, with open-house Eid celebrations, bazaars, and communal prayers attracting thousands.

Leave Planning Tip for NRIs: Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is expected on March 20 or 21, 2026. Many multicultural employers recognise this as a community observance day — apply for leave in advance.

9. Zakat & Zakat al-Fitr 2026 — NRI Guide

Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)

Zakat al-fitr consists of a quantity of food — such as barley, dates, raisins, or wheat flour — or its monetary equivalent, given to poor people in the community before the Eid prayers.

• Time and DateApproximate Fitrana Amounts for 2026:*

Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before Eid prayers — it can be paid a few days in advance. Every Muslim pays on behalf of themselves and all dependents.

Annual Zakat for NRIs

Annual Zakat (2.5% on eligible savings held for a full lunar year) is most commonly calculated and paid during Ramzan. NRIs with assets in India — savings accounts, gold, property, equity investments — should consult a qualified Islamic scholar for cross-jurisdictional Zakat guidance.

Trusted online platforms: Islamic Relief Worldwide, Human Relief Foundation, Muslim Hands, Zakat Foundation of America.

10. Ramzan 2026 Country-Wise Start Dates

11. FAQs — Ramzan & Eid 2026

Q: When is Ramzan 2026 starting in India? Ramzan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 18 or 19, 2026, subject to crescent moon sighting. The first Roza will be observed the following morning.

Q: When is Eid ul-Fitr 2026 in India? Eid ul-Fitr 2026 in India is expected on March 20 or 21, 2026, subject to Shawwal moon sighting. Eid prayers are held in the morning.

Q: How many days is Ramzan 2026? Ramzan 2026 is expected to last 29 or 30 days, ending around March 18–20.

Q: What is the date of Laylat al-Qadr in 2026? Laylat al-Qadr 2026 is expected on the 27th night of Ramzan, approximately March 16–17, 2026.

Q: What are Sehri and Iftar timings in Dubai for Ramzan 2026? In Dubai, Sehri is approximately 5:30–5:45 AM and Iftar around 6:30–6:45 PM during the first week. Use Muslim Pro or UAE Ministry of Tolerance’s official calendar for exact daily timings.

Q: Can NRIs pay Zakat al-Fitr online? Yes. Islamic Relief, Zakat Foundation of America, Human Relief Foundation, and Muslim Hands all accept online Fitrana payments and distribute to deserving communities globally.

Q: Is Eid ul-Fitr a public holiday in India? Yes. Eid ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) is a gazetted holiday in India. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

• Time and DateQ: What is the difference between Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha?* Eid ul-Fitr (Meethi Eid) celebrates the completion of Ramzan fasting. Eid ul-Adha (Bakra Eid) comes approximately 70 days later and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.

Editor’s Note — From NRI Globe

At NRI Globe, we understand that for millions of Indians living abroad, Ramzan and Eid are not just religious observances — they are powerful threads connecting you to family back home, to shared memories of pre-dawn Sehri meals, the aroma of iftar spreads, and the joy of Eid morning prayers.

Whether you’re fasting in Dubai, London, New York, or Melbourne — sending Eidi via bank transfer to your parents in Hyderabad, or watching Eid celebrations via a video call — NRI Globe is with you every step of the way.

Ramzan Mubarak and Eid Mubarak 2026 to all our readers and their families!