Ramadan 2026 Begins Today as Fasting Starts Across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Ramadan 2026 begins in India after moon sighting in Hyderabad with Muslims starting month long fasting prayers charity and reflection as public representatives extend greetings nationwide
- Ramadan fasting begins today following moon sighting
- Fasting hours to gradually increase till mid March
- Ramadan marks spiritual discipline charity and devotion
Ramadan 2026 has officially begun in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with the sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday evening in Hyderabad. The moon was clearly visible around the Charminar and Makkah Masjid areas after sunset leading religious bodies to formally announce the start of the holy month. From today Muslims across the two Telugu states have begun observing fasts marking the start of a period of prayer discipline and self reflection.
Religious committees including the Sadar Majlis Ulema e Deccan and the state moon sighting panels confirmed that fasting would begin on February 19. While Saudi Arabia started Ramadan a day earlier India follows traditional moon sighting practices resulting in a one day difference. With the announcement celebrations broke out as families greeted each other with wishes and prayers for peace and prosperity.
This year Ramadan has arrived unusually early falling in February for the first time in more than three decades. The last time the holy month began in February was in 1993. As a result fasting will begin during the tail end of winter and move into early summer making the final days more demanding due to rising temperatures. On the first day in Hyderabad the fasting duration is about twelve hours and forty minutes which is relatively short. By March 19 the fast will extend to over thirteen hours making endurance and patience more challenging.
Ramadan holds deep spiritual significance in Islam as it is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the period during which the Holy Quran was revealed. Fasting known as Roza or Saum is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed from dawn to sunset. Beyond abstaining from food and water believers focus on prayer charity self control and moral discipline throughout the month.
The holy month is also associated with increased acts of kindness and generosity as Muslims believe that good deeds performed during Ramadan carry multiplied rewards. Special importance is given to Laylatul Qadr the Night of Power which is believed to occur during the last ten days and is regarded as more spiritually rewarding than a thousand months of worship. As Ramadan begins public representatives and community leaders have extended their greetings urging people to observe the month in a spirit of harmony compassion and devotion.
