Likely Ramadan 2026 start dates in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Philippines revealed

As Muslims around the world prepare to observe Ramadan, astronomers and religious authorities across South Asia and Southeast Asia and beyond are setting their sights to the skies, eagerly awaiting the sighting of the crescent that signals the start of the holy month.

While the exact start of the holy month depends on local moon sightings, most forecasts suggest that Ramadan 2026 will likely begin on February 19.

Recommended For You

Why Dubai expat who got cancer diagnosis on wedding anniversary chose robotic surgery

RAK Sustainability Strategy 2050: Building a low-carbon growth model

Iranian attacks in the Gulf: Deaths, injuries, key events since February 28

F1: Russell and Mercedes dominate Australian Grand Prix

UAE warns 449 firms for price hikes, issues fines totaling Dh176,000 amid regional conflict

 

As the world awaits the Ramadan crescent, here is when the holy month is likely to begin in the following countries:

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels

Pakistan

Pakistan's Meteorological Department has indicated that the first day of Ramadan is expected on Thursday (February 19).

The new moon is predicted to appear on February 17 at 5.01pm PKT (4.01pm UAE time), with a strong possibility of sighting the crescent on the evening of February 18.

In Karachi, the moon will be approximately 26 hours old on that evening. The met department also provided the key timings for visibility: sunset is expected at 6.25pm PKT (5.25pm UAE time), while moonset is expected at 7.24pm PKT (6.24pm UAE time), offering a window after sunset for possible sighting.

India

In India, like in many other countries, Muslims await results of local moon sightings. The holy month is also likely to begin on February 19, according to a report by NDTV. Indian authorities will confirm the exact date after observing the crescent.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is also expected to mark the start of Ramadan on February 19, according to the Islamic Foundation, as reported by the Daily Star.

Philippines

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Ramadan is projected to begin on Wednesday (February 18), though the final date depends on the official crescent sighting by the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta' (BDI) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

Last year, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) led the moon sighting event, with Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf A. Guialani overseeing the observations, according to a report by GMA News.

Egypt

Even beyond Asia, observatories such as those in Egypt have also indicated that the Ramadan crescent is expected to appear on February 19.

Written by

Elizabeth Gonzales

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.