As millions across India prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a rare difference in dates has emerged this year. Kerala is observing the festival today, while most other parts of the country will celebrate it tomorrow. The reason lies in the traditional practice of moon sighting.
Moon sighting creates this date difference
In Kerala, religious authorities confirmed that the Shawwal crescent moon was sighted on Thursday evening in parts of the state, including coastal regions. Following this, clerics announced that Friday would mark the beginning of Shawwal, signalling the end of Ramzan and the start of Eid celebrations, as per PTI.
However, in several other regions, including Delhi and northern states, committees responsible for moon sighting reported no confirmed visibility. As a result, Friday remains the final day of Ramzan in these areas, and Eid will be celebrated on Saturday.
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Why such differences happen
Eid-ul-Fitr is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which depends on the physical sighting of the crescent moon. Since visibility can vary due to geography and weather conditions, different regions may observe the festival on different days.
With no confirmed sighting in most parts of India, Muslims outside Kerala will complete 30 days of fasting this year before celebrating Eid. In contrast, Kerala’s confirmed sighting brings Ramzan to an end after 29 days.
Despite the variation in dates, the spirit of Eid remains the same across the country. It is a time of prayer, gratitude, charity, and togetherness. During Ramzan, followers of Islam observe fasting from sunrise to sunset.
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Religious leaders have also stressed unity during the celebrations. Fatehpuri Masjid Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad said, “On this occasion, we pray that brotherhood and harmony in the country continues to prosper and is strengthened with love.”
While Kerala begins celebrations today, the rest of India will join in tomorrow—separated by a day, but united in spirit.
