Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is widely observed as a public holiday across India. On this day, schools, colleges and many offices remain closed. However, as the festival follows the Islamic lunar calendar, the exact date changes each year and depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Expected dates for Eid
For 2026, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on either March 20 or March 21. The final date will be confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted. Current estimates suggest that the Shawwal moon could be visible in India on March 20 at around 6.45 pm IST.
Also Read | Ramadan 2026: Sehri and Iftar timings for March 17 across major Indian cities
Based on this, Eid celebrations are most likely to take place on March 21, though there remains a possibility of it being observed a day earlier.
Will schools remain closed?
Most schools and colleges are expected to remain closed on Saturday, March 21. In some regions, the holiday may be marked on Friday, March 20, depending on local decisions and moon sighting outcomes.
Since the date is not fixed in advance, institutions usually finalise their holiday schedule closer to the festival. Parents and students are advised to check with their respective schools for confirmed dates.
Why the date changes every year
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic Hijri calendar. This calendar is based on lunar cycles, which means months begin with the sighting of the crescent moon.
Ramadan typically lasts 29 or 30 days, and Eid marks its conclusion. In 2026, the festival will correspond to 1 Shawwal 1447.
While March 21 is currently seen as the likely date for Eid celebrations, the final confirmation will depend entirely on moon sighting. Until then, schools and institutions are expected to keep flexible schedules for the holiday.
