This Ramzan is special in many ways. After 33 years, it comes in spring and not summer; also, it exactly coincides with the Christian fasting month of Lent and the beginning of the Lunar year associated and followed by Buddhists in many parts of the world.
Lent is a 40-day period that began on Ash Wednesday, February 18, the first day in the Arab and many other countries.
During this period, Christians commonly eat frugally, pray and abstain from meat to remind themselves of human mortality and the importance of reconciling with God.
Across India, Christians do not slot social occasions like weddings during this period.BREAKING🚨: For the first time since 1863, Ramadan, Lent, and Lunar New Year are all taking place at the same time 🤯
— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) February 18, 2026
An exceptional event that will only happen again in 2189. pic.twitter.com/V1mv9pO2YV
However, unlike Ramzan (Ramadan in Arabic), being an obligation, fasting during Lent is voluntary.
Ramzan works on a lunar cycle; therefore, it occurs earlier each year, resulting in Lent and Ramzan beginning on the same day every 33 or 34 years.
The Lunar New Year in 2026 started on febraury 17 and lasts until the Lantern Festival on March 3, the date of the next full moon. It's a major celebration in East Asian countries and the West with big Buddhist populations
Many churches in the West are highlighting the commonality of religions on this occasion.
In India and many other countries of the world, Ramzan began a day later on February 19 with the muazzin’s call for prayers and people waking early to offer prayers and have a pre-dawn meal to begin their fasting till dusk.
Several leaders have joined Muslims in welcoming the Holy month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished countrymen on X.
Ramzan Mubarak!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2026
May this auspicious month further the spirit of togetherness in our society. May there be peace and prosperity everywhere.
Mirwaiz of Kashmir Moulvi Umer Farooq has spoken about the Ramzan in his posty on X:
Ramadhan With @MirwaizKashmir | Episode No. 1 | Ramadan is a blessed month where all of us can reconnect with the Almighty Allah and realign ourselves to the path that transforms us into better human beings and better Muslims.#Ramadhan #Mirwaiz #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/pzMAY2FMqG
— Mirwaiz Manzil-Office of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir (@mirwaizmanzil) February 18, 2026
UN Chief Antonio Guterres has wished Muslims all over the world on the occasion from Bangladesh, where he is meeting rohingiyas:
Every Ramadan, I spend time with Muslim communities living in difficult circumstances, to observe the fast with them & help shine a spotlight on their plight.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 13, 2025
This year I’m in Bangladesh to express my solidarity with Rohingya refugees & the Bangladeshi people hosting them. pic.twitter.com/PKk7GURlK1
The government of Israel, which is under attack by the Muslim world for its operation in Gaza, has posted an interesting video on social media reminding the world of its Muslim population:
رمضان مبارك
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) February 17, 2026
It’s the 9th month again. Ramadan, a time of introspection.
Wishing all Israel’s Muslim citizens, and our Muslim friends & partners across the Middle East and beyond, a meaningful fast.#RamadanMubarak #RamadanKareem pic.twitter.com/Zal9KAb7QT
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