Complete Guide for Ramadan Fasting Meals on Train
The sacred month of Ramadan is here and most of us are observing our daily fasts. While it is difficult to maintain the food restrictions at our homes, imagine the trouble of Ramadan fasting on trains. Passengers worry they would get food on the train or would they be able to have the food in the provided time frames.
Although the month of Ramadan is for prayers and self-reflection, people also need to tend to their responsibilities. Students need to travel to colleges or examination centres, professionals need to travel for a meeting while industrialists may be travelling to inspect a new site or finalise a new deal. Carrying food on the train while adhering to strict eating time is just not practical
Don’t worry, as RailMitra brings you a super easy platform to order food on the train. Your train food will be delivered to the station of your choosing at your train seat. Let’s explore how RailMitra can you Ramadan journey pious as well as comfortable.
Ramadan Fasting Routine: Adjusting While You Travel
Ramadan is the most holy month in Islam where the followers keep Ramadan fasting also called Roza from the sunrise to the sunset. People are expected neither to consume food nor water during the fast. Apart from these, devotees are also asked to maintain restraint and divine focus on Allah.
When you are travelling, it becomes difficult to maintain these strict fasting rules. Dawn matters. Sunset matters. Even a few minutes feel important.
Sehri: the meal before dawn
Sehri (Suhoor) is eaten before the Fajr prayer. Once dawn begins, the fast starts. A good Sehri keeps you energised and reduces thirst during the day.
Iftar: breaking the fast
At sunset, the fast is broken. Most people begin with dates and water, followed by a proper meal. After a long day without food or water, even a sip of water feels restorative.
General timing pattern
- Sehri ends: around 4:30–5:30 AM
- Fast begins: at Fajr
- Iftar: around sunset (approx. 6:00–6:45 PM)
- Taraweeh prayers: after Isha
Indian trains move through a number of states and the exact sunrise and sunset timings may vary. There it is advised to keep with yourself a prayer timetable or a mobile application.
Why Fasting Feels More Demanding on a Train
Train journeys are unpredictable by nature. During Ramadan, you may notice:
- food vendors appear at inconvenient times
- stations may halt only briefly
- fresh food is not always easy to find
- warm weather increases thirst
- crowded compartments reduce privacy
These challenges are manageable, but only if you anticipate them.
Sehri on the Train: Simple Food That Sustains You
Heavy fried food may feel filling, but it often leads to thirst later. Most experienced travellers prefer lighter, sustaining foods. If you board before dawn, carrying food from home is ideal.
Sehri foods that travel well
- chapatis or parathas
- boiled eggs
- peanut butter sandwiches
- bananas or apples
- soaked almonds and dates
- yogurt (if stored safely)
- oats in a thermal container
- plenty of water
Avoid very salty snacks and spicy food before fasting. If carrying food isn’t possible, you can pre-order meals on train at an early morning station.
Iftar on the Train: Breaking the Fast Gently
After fasting the entire day, eating too much too quickly can feel uncomfortable. Many travellers prefer to start light.
Begin with
- dates
- water
- Fruit salad
- Sprout salad
You’ll often notice fellow passengers sharing dates, a quiet act of kindness that needs no introduction.
Then move to a light meal
- vegetable pulao or biryani
- dal with rice
- chapati with paneer or chicken curry
- khichdi (soft and comforting)
- idli with sambar
- curd rice
A small serving of seviyan or phirni can satisfy the sweet craving without heaviness. If you want fresh food on train, it is better to order it using a train food app. Passengers can even order group food with the help of RailMitra.
Timing Your Food Delivery
Sunset doesn’t wait for station schedules. Frequent travellers usually:
- check where the train will be at sunset
- order food one station before arrival
- keep dates and water handy
- save vendor contacts when possible
When travelling with family or companions, group order makes things easier and avoids confusion.
How to Order Ramadan Fasting Meals on Train
You can easily order Ramadan fasting meals on train with RailMitra platform, which can be accessed through the website or app in Android as well as iOS. You can place group order as well as individual orders, just follow these steps:
- Go to RailMitra.com or install the application.
- Select Food in train options
- You can order via any of the two methods: PNR Method or Train No. method.
- PNR Method: Enter 10 digit PNR Number and click Order Now.
- Train No. method: Enter Train Name/ Number, Enter Boarding Date and click on Order Now. Enter the Boarding Station.
- Select the station where you want to receive your food on the train at.
- Select the restaurant and add meals to your Cart.
- Click on View Cart and Proceed.
- Enter Customer Details and Payment Options.
- Apply Coupon Codes (if any).
- Hit Place Order
Your food will be served at your train seat.
Hydration Between Iftar and Sehri
Fasting while travelling, especially in warm weather increases dehydration risk. Try to:
- drink water gradually after Iftar
- include fruits with high water content
- avoid excessive tea or coffee
- include yogurt or soups
- drink water again before Sehri
A refillable bottle becomes surprisingly valuable on long journeys.
Offering Prayers While Travelling
Maintaining prayers during travel may feel awkward initially, but most passengers quietly adapt.
- pray at your berth if space allows
- use a small foldable prayer mat
- use a mobile compass for Qibla direction
- combine prayers when permitted during travel
For Taraweeh, praying seated is acceptable if standing space is unavailable.
Staying Comfortable During the Fast
Energy levels dip naturally while fasting. Small steps help:
- choose a lower berth if available
- wear loose, breathable clothes
- take short naps
- avoid unnecessary movement
- keep a shawl or light blanket
If you are still weak or dizzy or suffer from extreme dehydration, it is advised to break your fast for your own well being. Islamic laws also permit breaking fast on certain special occasions.
A Small Ramadan Travel Kit Helps
Regular travellers often carry:
- dates & dry fruits
- water bottle
- tissues & wet wipes
- prayer mat
- electrolyte sachets
- light snacks
- prayer timetable
These small items can make a long journey easier.
Train Delays: Staying Prepared
Delays are part of train travel. Being prepared helps you stay calm:
- keep portable snacks
- carry ready-to-eat food
- store extra water
- track train movement via railway apps
Flexibility makes fasting less stressful.
Travelling with Family During Ramadan
If travelling with children or elderly family members:
- choose light, digestible foods
- ensure hydration after Iftar
- pre-order meals to avoid rush
- arrange bedding early
Using group food delivery simplifies meal planning for families.
Quiet Moments That Stay With You
Breaking fast on a moving train has its own atmosphere. The metallic rhythm of wheels, the soft murmur of passengers, the passing lights outside and then someone offers dates across the aisle.
No announcements, no formality. Just shared humanity.
Conclusion
Passengers who are travelling during Ramadan might feel very stressed about arranging food. However, every problem can be solved with proper planning. The key to a comfortable train journey during Ramadan lies with tracking the meal timings, train timings and placing timely orders for your meals on the train.
RailMitra provides food in train services that can be accessed using its website as well as downloading the train application. Whether you are travelling solo or with your group RailMitra would take care of it all. Handling bulk or group order is kind of RailMitra’ niche.
So, this Ramadan, don’t worry for Iftar or Sehri meals. RailMitra will handle it all. Happy Ramadan!