Kerala announces first day of Ramadan on February 19 after moon not sighted

THE first day of Ramadan 2026 in Kerala falls on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening, religious leaders announced. 

Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and other prominent qazis, including representatives of Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, confirmed that Ramadan fasting in Kerala will begin on Thursday.

With the moon not sighted, the faithful will complete 30 days of Sha'ban (the eighth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar) before commencing the holy month of Ramadan. 

Kerala Hilal Committee Chairman P P Unneenkutty Moulavi also officially declared that the first fast of Ramadan will be observed on February 19.