Ramadan Moon Spotted Across India: First roza begins today

New Delhi: Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, will begin for Muslims in India from Thursday, after the crescent moon marking the new Islamic month was sighted in many parts of the country on the evening of Wednesday.

Where was crescent moon seen?

Many moon sighting committees confirmed on Wednesday after the crescent was sighted, setting the date for the first fast (roza). 

The Ramzaan crescent has been seen in many states of India including Delhi, Assam and Bihar.

With this confirmation, millions of Muslims across India will begin their fast from dawn on Thursday. 

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan, also spelt as Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri) and marks 29 or 30 days of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. 

The crescent moon is first seen in Gulf countries and Western nations and then the next day in most parts of India and other neighbouring countries.

Why is the moon sighting important?

In Islam, the start of Ramadan depends on the visual sighting of the new crescent moon, known as the hilal.

As per the traditional Islamic practice, people who practice the Islamic religion eat a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor (Sehri). After observing Sehri, they fast from Fajr (dawn prayer) until Maghrib (sunset prayer). Concluding the day, the fast is broken at sunset with a meal, which is known as Iftar.

Did PM Modi wish?

Taking to X on Wednesday, PM Modi extended Ramadan wishes and said, “Ramzan Mubarak! May this auspicious month further the spirit of togetherness in our society. May there be peace and prosperity everywhere.”