Ramadan — the holy month of fasting — is the most spiritually intensive period of the Islamic year for Muslim families worldwide. For Indian Muslim families, Ramadan has its own specific character: the predawn Sehri meal with its particular foods, the community Iftar breaking of the fast, the nightly Taraweeh prayers that lengthen each evening, and the specific sweets and dishes that are associated with different days and nights of the month.
Quick Answer
Ramadan 2026: approximately March 1 - March 30. Fast from Fajr (pre-dawn) to Maghrib (sunset) — no food, drink, or smoking. Sehri (pre-dawn meal) before Fajr. Iftar (sunset meal) begins with dates and water. Taraweeh prayers nightly after Isha. Final 10 nights: intensified worship seeking Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power).
Sehri Traditions
The pre-dawn meal eaten across Indian Muslim households varies by region — in Lucknow, nimbu pani (lime water) and parathas; in Hyderabad, biryani leftovers and fruits; in Kashmir, noon chai and girda bread. The family wakes together, often to the call of the Sehri drummer who traditionally walks through neighbourhoods announcing the pre-dawn meal time. This communal awakening is one of the most distinctive Ramadan experiences.
Iftar Traditions
The breaking of the fast at sunset is the most anticipated moment of each Ramadan day. The traditional Iftar sequence: dates (following the Prophet's practice), water, then Maghrib prayer, then the full Iftar meal. Indian Muslim Iftar tables feature Haleem (slow-cooked meat and lentil stew — a Ramadan essential in Hyderabad), Sheer Khurma, fruit chaat, samosas, kebabs, and various sweets. Each region has its specific Iftar specialties.
Taraweeh Prayers
Taraweeh are the special nightly prayers performed after Isha during Ramadan — typically 8 or 20 rakats (prayer units) depending on the community. The entire Quran is recited over the course of the month during Taraweeh. Many mosques have a Hafiz (one who has memorized the Quran) lead the Taraweeh prayers. It is one of the most community-bonding practices of Ramadan — families attend mosque together each night.
Ramadan for NRI Families
NRI Muslim families observe Ramadan wherever they live — the fast timing changes by location (in northern summer countries, Ramadan fasts can be 17-19 hours long). Many community mosques in the UK, USA, Canada, and UAE organize community Iftar events and Taraweeh prayers. The Ramadan experience abroad is often described as both more effortful (fewer halal Iftar options, longer fasts) and more community-bonded.
💡 Family tradition tip
Document your family's specific Ramadan foods — your grandmother's Haleem recipe, the specific sweets made only in Ramadan, the sequence of your family's Iftar table. The specific tastes and smells of Ramadan are among the most powerful family memory anchors in any tradition.