Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting in India Live Updates: Darul Uloom Deoband and Markazi Royat-e-Hilal Committee Confirms Ramzan Moon Sighting Across India

18 Feb, 26 08:06 PM

Darul Uloom Deoband and Markazi Royat-e-Hilal Committee Confirms Ramzan Moon Sighting Across India

The Markazi Royat-e-Hilal Committee and Darul Uloom Deoband confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan moon across India on Wednesday evening, with the first fast to be observed on Thursday, February 19. In a circular, the committee stated that the moon had been sighted in Delhi, marking the start of the holy month. The blog is now concluded. Happy Ramadan to all readers of Lokmat.

18 Feb, 26 07:36 PM

Crescent Moon Sighted in Lucknow, Shia Committee Confirms Start of Ramazan

Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi, President of the Shia Markazi Chand Committee, confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon from the top of Satkhanda in Lucknow on Tuesday evening, February 18. Other clerics were also present during the observation. With the sighting confirmed, the Shia community will begin Ramadan from tomorrow.

18 Feb, 26 07:27 PM

Ramadan Moon Sighted in Different Parts of Pakistan

The moon marking the start of Ramadan has been sighted in several parts of Pakistan. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed that the first fast will be observed on Thursday, 19 February 2026. Mosques across the country will hold the first Taraweeh prayers tonight as residents begin preparations for the month of fasting.

18 Feb, 26 07:22 PM

Ramzan Crescent Sighted in Sri Lanka, Fasting Begins From February 19

The crescent (new moon) for the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted and Muslims in Sri Lanka will begin the month of fasting from Thursday, February 19, 2026, announced Colombo Grand Mosque.

18 Feb, 26 07:17 PM

Ramzan Moon Sighting Confirmed in Delhi

The crescent marking the start of Ramzan has been sighted in Delhi, confirming the beginning of the holy month. Local committees reported visual confirmation shortly after sunset (magreeb). With this announcement, Muslims in the region will begin fasting from tomorrow. Mosques have also scheduled Taraweeh prayers for tonight.

18 Feb, 26 07:09 PM

Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Meeting Underway in Pakistan for Moon Sighting

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee based in Peshawar is searching for the crescent moon of Ramadan. The committee has also urged people to look for the moon and provide testimonies of any sightings. The Ministry of Science and Technology, the Pakistan Meteorological Department, and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission are also part of the committee and will assist in the moon sighting process.

18 Feb, 26 06:56 PM

Ramzan Begins in India as First Crescent Sighted in Bihar and Assam

The holy month of Ramzan has begun in India on Wednesday, February 18, as the crescent moon has been sighted by the scholars in Bihar and Assam during sunset. Qazi Rizwan Nadawi of Imarat-e-Sharia Phulwari Sharif from Patna has confirmed the news of the sighting of the crescent moon. He said there have been reports of moon sighting from various places.

18 Feb, 26 06:43 PM

Religious Scholars, Including Maulana Khalid Rasheed, Begin Search for Ramzan Crescent

At the Islamic Centre of India in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, religious scholars, including Maulana Khalid Rasheed, are sighting the moon for Ramadan. An announcement will be made shortly, after which Ramadan will begin. Taraweeh prayers will start in mosques across the city, and strict security arrangements will be in place.

18 Feb, 26 06:23 PM

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh Begin Search for Crescent

Muslims across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will search for the crescent moon and an official announcement will be made shortly after evening prayers (maghrib) at around 6.50 pm. However, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf countries today mark the first day of fasting after sighting the crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17. 

18 Feb, 26 06:15 PM

Official Confirmation of Crescent Moon Sighting Expected After Sunset

India and other Asian countries is set search for the crescent moon on Ramadan today, with visibility like to be after the sunset (maghrib prayers) between 6.15 pm and 6.45 pm IST. Scholars and local moon sighting committees across the country are expected to announce soon.  

18 Feb, 26 06:02 PM

Taraweeh Prayers to Begin From Today After Isha

Taraweeh prayers will be offered in mosques and homes from this evening, marking the beginning of the holy month. The Muslim community will welcome Ramadan with prayers, fasting, and charity, with the first fast to be observed the following day.

18 Feb, 26 05:54 PM

Preparations for Moon Sighting Begin in Delhi, Mumbai and Other Cities

People have gathered in mosques, on building terrace and open spaces to witness the rare crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan 2026. According to the prediction, the crescent will be sighted today in parts of India and the Asian subcontinent, including Pakistan and Bangladesh on Wednesday, February 18. If the moon is sighted today, then tomorrow will be the first day of fasting.

18 Feb, 26 05:40 PM

Ramadan Crescent Will Be Search After Maghrib Prayers

Chand committees across India will search Ramadan crescent moon after Maghrib prayers (sunset prayers). In many parts of the country, people gather in mosques, on rooftops, and in open spaces to observe the crescent. Once the moon is sighted, Taraweeh prayers will begin, and the first fast will be observed the next day.

18 Feb, 26 05:34 PM

Chand Raat Today in India: Send Wishes, Greetings and Messages to Friends and Family

The sighting of the new moon brings families and communities together in prayer, festivity, and togetherness. It is a time to express love, forgiveness, and warm wishes to near and dear ones. Sending Chand Mubarak messages is a thoughtful way to spread happiness and positivity on this special occasion.

18 Feb, 26 05:04 PM

Ramzan Sehri and Iftar Timetable 2026: Fasting Calendar for Ramzan Roza

The crescent moon for Ramadan is likely to be sighted in India today, February 18. If confirmed, the holy month will begin on Thursday, February 19. Several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Oman, Turkey and Australia, have already announced that Ramadan will start for them on 19 February.

18 Feb, 26 03:19 PM

UAE PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Extends Ramzan Greetings

UAE Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended Ramadan greetings to all the UAE's citizens. We congratulate the people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic peoples on the blessed month of Ramadan,” wrote Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in a post on X.

“A generous month and a virtuous season… the month of goodness and giving, strengthening family ties, family gatherings, and the purification of souls,” he wrote further.

18 Feb, 26 02:42 PM

Bangladesh Moon Sighting Committee to Meet in Dhaka to Search for Ramzan Crescent

The meeting will be held at 6 pm after Maghrib at the Islamic Foundation meeting room of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The meeting will be presided over by the new Religious Affairs Minister, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad. He will also be present as the chief guest.

18 Feb, 26 01:07 PM

List of Countries That Have Announced Start of Ramazan

Several Gulf countries have officially announced the start of Ramadan 2026 on Tuesday, February 17, after the sighting of the crescent moon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today (February 18) is the first fasting day for these courtiers. The Muslim community in Nigeria will search for the crescent today, as the moon was not sighted on Tuesday.

The holy month in several countries, mostly in Asian countries, will start on Wednesday, February 18, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, advised Nigerian Muslims to look out for the crescent (moon) of Ramadan from Tuesday, February 17.

The NSCIA said the search for the new moon should commence immediately after sunset on Tuesday, 17 February, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1447 AH. The council noted that if the crescent is sighted by 'Muslims of impeccable character', then Sultan Abubakar would declare Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of the 2026 Ramadan.

List of Countries That Have Announced the Start of Ramazan

Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Qatar

Kuwait

Bahrain

Oman

Jordan

Turkey

Singapore

Philippines (Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ announcement)

Malaysia

Indonesia

Brunei

Australia (based on local moon-sighting reports)

Ramadan fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam and the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity.

18 Feb, 26 12:44 PM

Crescent Moon Sighted in Kenya

The crescent moon of Ramadan 2026 has sighted in Kenya. The official X handle of the Senate of Kenya greeted the Muslim community across the world with Ramadan Mubarak. 

18 Feb, 26 12:11 PM

What Is the Last Date of Ramadan in India

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. If the fasting begins in India on Thursday, February 19, then the last date of Ramadan likely to be on March 19 or March 20 (if the holy month completes its 30 days). However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the date of Eid Al-Fitr or Ramadan Eid on March 21.

18 Feb, 26 11:31 AM

Royal Family of UK Extends Ramadan Greetings to Muslims Around the World

The Royal Family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla extended Ramadan greetings. The Royals in post on X: “Wishing all Muslims in the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”

18 Feb, 26 11:18 AM

Mohamed Salah Shares Photo of Ramadan Decoration (See Pic)

Mohamed Salah, Egyptian footballer and Liverpool Midfielder, has shared a picture of his house decoration to welcome the holy month of Ramadan. In a picture the star midfielder shared with a caption "Ramadan Kareem" features a table and himself decorating a dining table with lights and shiny letters written "Ramadan" on it.

18 Feb, 26 11:08 AM

Telangana Allows Muslim Govt Employees To Leave Office Early During Ramzan

The Congress-led Telangana government announced the changes in office time of Muslim workers. Employees working in government offices are allowed to leave office one hour early during the month of Ramazan for iftar and prayers.

18 Feb, 26 10:28 AM

Crescent Moon Sighting in India Today

Chand committees in Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow and other metro cities will make announcement on the sighing of crescent moon for the month of Ramazan today, Wednesday.