Crescent Moon Sighted in India, Ramadan Fasting to Begin Today

The crescent moon marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted across India on Wednesday evening after sunset. Following the confirmation by moon-sighting committees and religious authorities, Muslims across the country will begin fasting from today .

The sacred month is expected to last 29 or 30 days and conclude around March 20 or 21 , depending on the sighting of the next crescent moon, which will also determine the date of Eid-ul-Fitr .

Several Gulf countries , including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, have already announced the beginning of Ramzan from Wednesday, February 18 , as they lie west of India, where sunset occurs later, making the young crescent moon visible there sooner while it may still be too faint to be seen in India.

Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds deep spiritual significance as it commemorates the period when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad . The month is traditionally divided into three phases of ten days each , known as Ashras . The first ten days focus on mercy (rahmat) , the second emphasise forgiveness (maghfirat) , and the final ten days centre on salvation from hellfire (nijat) , encouraging believers to intensify prayer, repentance, and charitable deeds.

One of the most sacred nights of the month, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) , observed during the last ten days , is believed to be spiritually more rewarding than a thousand months. Worshippers spend these nights in extended prayers, Quran recitation, and supplication, seeking divine blessings and forgiveness.

Charity holds special significance during Ramzan, with Muslims encouraged to increase voluntary donations and zakat al-fitr . The month concludes with Eid-ul-Fitr , marked by special prayers, charity, family gatherings, festive meals, and exchange of greetings.