Ramadan, the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, is expected to begin on March 11 or March 12 in India, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world, who abstain from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is also a time of celebration, as Muslims break their fast with family and friends, and exchange greetings and gifts. In this article, we will provide you with the tentative timetable of sehri (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of the fast) timings for major Indian cities, and some tips and advice on how to observe the holy month in India.
Sehri and Iftar Timings for Major Indian Cities
The sehri and iftar timings vary according to the sunrise and sunset times in different locations. Here are the tentative sehri and iftar timings for some of the major Indian cities, based on the data from IslamicFinder:
- Ahmedabad: Sehri – 05:38 am, Iftar – 06:47 pm
- Bengaluru: Sehri – 05:19 am, Iftar – 06:31 pm
- Chennai: Sehri – 05:08 am, Iftar – 06:20 pm
- Delhi: Sehri – 05:18 am, Iftar – 06:27 pm
- Hyderabad: Sehri – 05:16 am, Iftar – 06:26 pm
- Kolkata: Sehri – 04:35 am, Iftar – 05:45 pm
- Mumbai: Sehri – 05:38 am, Iftar – 06:48 pm
- Pune: Sehri – 05:34 am, Iftar – 06:44 pm
- Surat: Sehri – 05:38 am, Iftar – 06:47 pm
You can also check the sehri and iftar timings for other cities and towns in India by visiting the IslamicFinder website and entering your location.
Tips and Advice for Observing Ramadan in India
Observing Ramadan in India can be challenging, as the country is home to diverse cultures, religions, and cuisines. However, it can also be rewarding, as the country offers many opportunities for learning, sharing, and experiencing the spirit of Ramadan. Here are some tips and advice for observing Ramadan in India:
- Plan your meals and hydration: Fasting for long hours can be taxing on your body and mind, so it is important to plan your meals and hydration carefully. Choose nutritious and balanced foods for sehri and iftar, and avoid spicy, oily, and sugary foods that can cause indigestion, dehydration, and fatigue. Drink plenty of water and fluids between iftar and sehri, and avoid caffeine and alcohol that can dehydrate you. You can also try some of the traditional Indian drinks for Ramadan, such as rooh afza, sherbet, and lassi, that can refresh and energize you.
- Pray and read the Quran: Ramadan is a time to strengthen your connection with Allah, so make sure to pray and read the Quran regularly. You can also join the taraweeh prayers, which are special prayers performed after the isha prayer during Ramadan. You can find many mosques and Islamic centers in India that offer taraweeh prayers, as well as other religious services and activities. You can also listen to the Quran recitation and translation online, or download some of the Quran apps for your smartphone or tablet.
- Give charity and help the needy: Ramadan is a time to practice generosity and compassion, so make sure to give charity and help the needy in your community. You can donate money, food, clothes, or other items to the poor and the orphans, or volunteer for some of the charitable organizations and initiatives in India. You can also pay your zakat, which is the obligatory charity that every Muslim who meets certain criteria has to pay during Ramadan. You can calculate your zakat online, or consult a local scholar or imam for guidance.
- Celebrate and socialize: Ramadan is a time to celebrate and socialize with your family and friends, so make sure to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the cultural diversity of India. You can invite your loved ones for iftar or suhoor, or join some of the community events and gatherings that are organized during Ramadan. You can also try some of the delicious and varied cuisines of India, such as biryani, kebabs, samosas, chaat, and sweets, that are popular during Ramadan. You can also exchange greetings and gifts with your neighbors and colleagues, and share the joy and blessings of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world, who abstain from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is also a time of celebration, as Muslims break their fast with family and friends, and exchange greetings and gifts. In this article, we have provided you with the tentative timetable of sehri and iftar timings for major Indian cities, and some tips and advice on how to observe the holy month in India. We hope that this article will help you to prepare and plan for Ramadan, and to make the most of this blessed month. We wish you a happy and peaceful Ramadan!
