Ramadan 2025: Date, time, significance, dos and don'ts and food rules to follow during the holy month

The holy month of Ramadan is around the corner. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of profound spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and community for Muslims worldwide. In 2025, Ramadan is anticipated to commence from March 1, depending upon the sighting of the crescent moon.
Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. It is also a time of deep devotion, self-discipline, and heightened worship, as fasting from dawn to dusk teaches patience, gratitude, and empathy for those less fortunate. The month holds immense significance as it was during Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making it a period of increased prayers, recitation, and seeking forgiveness. Beyond its spiritual aspects, Ramadan also promotes a healthier lifestyle by encouraging mindful eating and detoxifying the body. The essence of this holy month lies in strengthening one’s faith, practicing generosity through charity (Zakat and Sadaqah), and fostering unity within communities.
Rituals of Ramadan
Ramadan begins after the sighting of the crescent moon. And, fasting (Sawm) is the main act of worship in Ramadan, required for all healthy adult Muslims. It includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behavior from Fajr (pre-dawn) to Maghrib (sunset). The fast is broken at sunset with Iftar, often starting with dates and water, as per the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) tradition. For the unversed, Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) is a light but nutritious meal before Fajr prayer to sustain energy throughout the day. And during this holy month, performing all five daily prayers (Salah) on time is especially emphasized, in which Taraweeh is a special night prayer performed in congregation after Isha prayer, where long portions of the Quran are recited.
Ramadan 2025 in India
In India, the moon sighting is expected on the evening of Saturday, March 1, 2025. If the crescent is observed, Muslims will begin fasting on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The final decision rests with local moon-sighting committees and Islamic scholars, who will announce the official start of Ramadan based on the moon's visibility.

Food and Ramadan
As much as fasting plays a key role during the holy month, food is also considered to be equally important. From Suhoor to Iftar, food plays a key role during the holy month, where certain types of foods are meant to be consumed and avoided for certain reasons. Take a look at the dos and don'ts and food rules to follow.
Take a look at the dos and don'ts and food rule to follow during the holy month
Dos:
Fast with sincerity: It is suggested to observe the fast for spiritual purification and self-discipline.
Be mindful of prayers: It is suggested to engage in extra prayers (Taraweeh) and supplications.
Give to charity (Zakat & Sadaqah): It is suggested to help those in need, as Ramadan is a time for generosity.
Maintain patience and good behavior: It is also suggested to avoid arguments, gossip, and negative thoughts.
Wake up for Suhoor: Eat a pre-dawn meal, as it's Sunnah and helps sustain energy throughout the day.
Stay hydrated: It is suggested to drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor to prevent dehydration.
Eat balanced meals: It is suggested to include complex carbs, proteins, healthy fats, and fiber to maintain energy.
Consume hydrating foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, yogurt, and soups help prevent dehydration.
Break the fast gently: It is suggested to start with dates, fruit, or a light soup before heavier foods.
Practice portion control: Overeating at Iftar can cause bloating and sluggishness, hence one should avoid such practice.

Don'ts
Skipping Suhoor: As per experts, this can lead to fatigue and hunger pangs during the day.
Overeating at Iftar: This practice can lead to bloating, discomfort, and weight gain.
Wasting food: While people have a habit of preparing a lot of food for Iftar, it is suggested to prepare meals mindfully and avoid excessive leftovers.
Neglecting prayers: Ramadan is not just about fasting but also spiritual growth, hence it is important to perform prayers timely.
Being lazy during the day: While fasting can make you lazy and lethargic, it is suggested to stay productive while managing energy levels wisely.
Unhealthy Food habits: Avoid eating junk and anything mindlessly after iftar
Consuming too much fried or sugary food: Such foods increase thirst, sluggishness, and digestion issues.
Drinking caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, soda) excessively: Drinking such beverages can lead to dehydration.
Skipping water intake: It can lead to fatigue and dehydration the next day.
Eating too fast at Iftar: This practice can cause indigestion and discomfort.
Food rules to follow during Ramadan
Best Suhoor foods: As per experts, eating foods like oats, whole grains, eggs, yogurt, fruits, milk, dates, and nuts are said to keep the gut healthy and also boost metabolism and keep you energised throughout the day.
Best Iftar foods: Foods like dates, fruits, soup, lean proteins, complex carbs (brown rice, whole wheat, etc.) are said to keep you active even after a hectic day.
Avoid excessive salt: After Iftar, consuming too much of salty food is suggested to be avoided. It is said to increase thirst and bloating.
Limit processed foods: They lack essential nutrients and can cause sluggishness, hence such foods should be avoided at all costs.
Opt for natural sugars: Natural sugars like dates, honey, and fruits are better than refined sugars, and should be consumed in place of refined or polished artificial sugar.