When is Ramadan Begins?
In 2026, Ramadan Begins falls on Thursday, February 19, 2026. It is an observance rather than a federal holiday, so federal offices and most businesses follow their normal schedules.
History of Ramadan Begins
Ramadan Begins in Pakistan when the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirms the new crescent opening the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. Many Muslims then fast from dawn to sunset, while prayer, Qur’an recitation, self-discipline and charity take on special emphasis. Daily routines shift around suhoor before dawn and iftar at sunset, and food markets, mosques and family homes often become especially active in the evenings.
The first day is determined by official moon-sighting confirmation. The annual federal circular notes the start in connection with a Zakat-related bank holiday rather than making it a universal public closure. Ramadan is included here as a meaningful observance; the extended public break comes later with Eid al-Fitr. ${lunarNote}
Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed that the first fast of Ramadan 1447 AH would be Thursday, February 19, 2026. The State Bank designated first Ramadan as a bank holiday for Zakat deduction: banks, development finance institutions and microfinance banks closed to public dealing while employees attended as on a normal working day. Federal offices and private businesses were not granted a general holiday merely because the month began, although shorter Ramadan service hours and provincial or institutional arrangements could alter daily schedules.
How Ramadan Begins is observed
Ramadan began February 19 in 2026; banks closed to public dealing for Zakat deduction while employees attended and other workplaces continued.
Traditions of Ramadan Begins
Suhoor and first fast
Households prepare the pre-dawn meal and begin fasting after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee formally confirms Ramadan’s first day nationwide.
Iftar and evening markets
Families break the fast together, while food stalls and markets become active after sunset under local trading and traffic rules.
Prayer and charitable giving
Mosques extend prayer and Quran programmes, and communities organise ration distributions, iftar meals and other support for people in need.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Pakistani official and legal guidance. Lunar dates, annual Cabinet Division notices and provincial or employer schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Government of Pakistan Cabinet Division: Public and Optional Holidays for 2026, Government of Pakistan Cabinet Division: Public and Optional Holidays, State Bank of Pakistan: 2026 bank-holiday circular, National Assembly of Pakistan: constitutional history, Radio Pakistan: official public-service broadcaster, Ministry of Religious Affairs: interfaith and minority festivals, Radio Pakistan: Ramadan began on February 19, 2026.
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