TOP STORIES Crescent sighted, Ramadan begins: Grand Mufti Nasir | KNO Published 3 hours ago on February 18, 2026 By Rehan Qayoom Mir Srinagar, Feb 18 (KNO): Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Wednesday announced that the Ramadan crescent moon has been sighted in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement brought clarity across the Valley who were awaiting confirmation after Maghrib prayers. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said credible testimonies confirming the moon sighting were received and verified by the official moon-sighting committee. “With the crescent sighted this evening, the first day of fasting will be observed on Thursday,” the Grand Mufti said. The committee, which includes Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, confirmed the development after cross-verification of reports from multiple districts. Muslims across J&K will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan from Thursday.—(KNO) Up Next Div Com Kashmir reviews arrangements for 6th Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg | KNO Don't Miss LG Sinha reiterates Shrine Board's commitment to keep Katra clean, green | KNO