The holy month of Ramadan 2025 officially begins as the crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Muslims in the Kingdom start their first Roza (fast) on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Meanwhile, in India, the fasting month begins on Sunday, March 2, 2025, as the moon was not sighted on Friday. This announcement was confirmed by Jama Masjid authorities and Lucknow’s Shahi Imam.
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia follows the Islamic tradition of moon sighting to determine the start of Ramadan. As the crescent was spotted on Friday evening, February 28, the Kingdom will observe its first fast on Saturday, March 1. Taraweeh prayers, special nightly prayers performed during Ramadan, begin after Isha prayers on Friday night.
Ramadan 2025 in India
In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries, Ramadan typically begins a day after Saudi Arabia due to differences in moon sighting. Since the crescent was not visible on Friday, February 28, Muslims in these regions start fasting from Sunday, March 2, 2025.
How Long is Ramadan 2025?
Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon. In India, fasting will continue until either March 30 or March 31, 2025, based on the next moon sighting, which marks the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Source: Moneycontrol