Arsala Khan/New Delhi

After nearly 16 years, Ramazan 2026 will fall in the winter season giving relief to Muslims observing fasting during the month.

Ramzan in 2026 is expected to begin around Wednesday, February 18th, and end around Thursday, March 19th, concluding with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on March 20th or 21st, with exact dates depending on the sighting of the new moon.

It's a month-long observance for Muslims, involving daily fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection, following the Islamic lunar calendar.

Ramadan is a period dedicated to spiritual growth, increased devotion, and worship.

Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours.

This fast, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is intended to bring Muslims closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate.

The early Ramzan will give a lot of relief to the fasting people in many countries, including India, as they can eat late in the morning in the cool February and break their fast relatively early in the evening.

Devotees at Jama Masjid on last Friday of Ramzan (File)

The last Ramzan to fall in winter was in 2009-2010. Each year since, Ramzan has shifted 10-11 days earlier according to the Islamic calendar, and for the past several years, fasting people have faced intense heat and long fasts. This situation is set to change in 2026.

Weather-wise, temperatures in North India are expected to range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius on the first day of the fast.

States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar will experience mild chills in the morning and night, while the day will remain pleasant. Temperatures in South India may be slightly higher, but the heat won't be unbearable. Overall, Ramadan 2026 is expected to be quite favourable for fasting people.

Since Ramadan falls in the winter, the fasting period will be relatively shorter. Due to the shorter days in February, the fasting period is expected to be around 11 to 12 hours, compared to 15 to 16 hours in the summer.

This is expected to provide particular relief to the elderly, women, and working people.

With the appearance of the moon of Rajab, a mood of worship has begun to form in mosques. In many places, the frequency of voluntary fasting, prayers, and worship has increased.

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