As the holy month of Ramadan is reaching its final stages, Muslims across India and other parts of the world are gearing up to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. However, the exact date of the festival has not been confirmed yet. According to the Islamic calendar, in 2026, Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on either March 20 or 21.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
The festival of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims across the world observe daily fasts from dawn to sunset, pray, donate to charity, and focus their attention on spiritual activities.
The festival of Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, i.e., Shawwal. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon. This is the reason why the exact date of Eid cannot be confirmed until the crescent moon appears.
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The day of Eid begins with special prayers at mosques and open grounds. Families and communities then gather to share meals, exchange greetings and distribute sweets and gifts.
When will the moon be sighted in India?
In the Islamic calendar, months are either 29 or 30 days long. On the 29th day of Ramadan, Muslims look for the appearance of the moon. In 2026, the moon sighting is expected on the evening of March 19. This is the evening when the moon makes its presence felt. This evening is also known as Chand Raat.
If the moon is sighted on the evening of March 19, then Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on the following day, i.e., on Friday, March 20. If the moon is not sighted on the evening of March 19, then Ramadan will continue for 30 days, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on the following day, i.e., on Saturday, March 21.
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Currently, calculations suggest that there is a good chance of sighting the moon on the evening of March 19. In that case, March 20 is likely to be the day for celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Chand Raat and festival preparations
The eve of Eid is filled with excitement and lights up the nights of many Indian cities. The markets are open late into the night as families buy new clothes, sweets, and other savory items for the occasion. Mehendi is also used, and the kitchens are set for the traditional food that is prepared for the early morning of Eid.
In Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, many gather to confirm the sighting of the moon with scholars and community leaders, which marks the start of Eid.
