In a first, Shia body in Kashmir collaborates with IMD on Ramzan moon sighting

The All J&K Shia Association has become the first Muslim body in the Union Territory to collaborate with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for moon sighting on the occasion of Ramzan.

A delegation of the Association, headed by its general secretary Abid Hussain Ansari, convened a joint meeting with the IMD in Srinagar’s Rambagh area “to observe the crescent”, which announces the beginning of the fasting month of Muslims.

“The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will function on a permanent basis and will observe the lunar moon every Islamic month. This step will help end dependency on moon sighting reports from other places and ensure local, credible, and timely confirmation for the community,” Mr. Ansari said.

In the past, Kashmir has many times aligned with announcements made by Ruet-e-Hilal Committees in Pakistan and Iran on moon sighting to start Ramzan or observe the festivals of Eid.

Meanwhile, the Committee observed the moon at the IMD. “The Association announced that the 1st of Ramzan will be observed from February 19, 2026, following confirmation of moon sighting reports from other parts of India, including Kargil and Lucknow,” it said.

The Association said it would work towards “fostering unity, transparency, and collective participation in religious observances”.