Ramadan: Sehri, Iftar timings for March 1 in Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and other cities

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, is underway in India, having started on February 19. It marks a period of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal for Muslims across the nation.

The beginning of Ramadan is traditionally based on the sighting of the crescent moon. It is usually first observed in Gulf countries and western regions, and a day later in India and neighboring nations.

Sehri (Suhoor): This is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the Fajr (morning) prayer, marking the start of the daily fast.

Iftar: This is the meal eaten to break the fast at sunset, following the Maghrib (evening) prayer.

In Saudi Arabia which is home to Islam’s holiest sites, Ramadan is marked by increased spiritual fervor. Millions of worshippers gather at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Families come together for traditional meals, and work hours are shortened to adjust to fasting.

Across the Middle East, cities such as Dubai host Ramadan night markets and themed tents, where communities gather for suhoor and iftar meals. In Turkey, popular customs have remained communal iftar events and traditional drumming to wake people for suhoor.

In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Ramadan bazaars and late-night prayers at major mosques remain central to the celebrations. In Western countries, interfaith iftar gatherings are held to bridge cultural gaps and foster community cohesion besides fastening alongside work or studies.