New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- Muslims across the globe have started fasting daily from sunrise to sunset as Ramadan 2026 started in India and other countries. The month-long period marks special prayers, reflection and charity.

The holy month, the ninth in the Islamic lunar calendar, brings families together for meals to break the fast. Ramadan began on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, while it began on Thursday in India and neighbouring nations.

The timings vary by country due to different moon-sighting practices.

Dawn-to-dusk fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam during which devout Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, evil thoughts and actions, and having marital relations from dawn until s...