New Delhi, March 4 -- The sacred month of Ramadan holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims across the world. It is a time devoted to fasting, prayer and self-reflection, and begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic Lunar calendar (Hijri), Ramadan in 2026 commenced on February 19.

In general, the crescent moon is first sighted in Gulf nations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and sometimes in parts of India and Western countries, while many regions in India begin observing Ramadan a day later. This year, the moon signalling the start of Ramadan was seen in India on Wednesday, February 18, and the first roza was observed on Thursday, February 19.

Keeping a fast from dawn to dusk duri...