What is the story about?
Eid al-Fitr (Eid ul-Fitr) is one of the most important festivals for Muslims. It is a time to celebrate with loved ones. It also marks the end of Ramadan,
the month-long period of fasting observed by Muslims around the world, and the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. “There are two days in the year dedicated to celebrations called Eid in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Eid ul-Fitr occurs at the end of the month of Ramadan each year, and Eid al-Adha takes place on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year,” states the website of Islamic Relief.
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2026?
The celebration of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon and may fall on either Thursday 19 March or Friday 20 March 2026.The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday 18 March, marking the conclusion of Ramadan. According to Gulf News, the announcement, issued via an official statement on Monday, follows the Umm al-Qura calendar, which suggests that Wednesday corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH.
However, if the moon is not visible on 18 March, Ramadan will last for 30 days. In that case, the first day of Eid al-Fitr 2026 will fall on 20 March. If the moon is sighted on 18 March, then Eid will begin on 19 March.
In India, the festival is expected to be celebrated on Friday 20 March or Saturday 21 March. Eid in India is usually observed a day after it is celebrated in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East.
India typically celebrates Eid a day after festivities begin in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. The UAE’s International Astronomical Centre has predicted that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan will be sighted in Gulf countries on 19 March, while parts of West Asia may celebrate Eid on 20 March.
According to Khaleej Times, “The UAE-based International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has predicted that sighting the Shawwal crescent on 18 March is unlikely, meaning the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days. Based on astronomical calculations, the first day of Eid al-Fitr in the UAE will be on 20 March, and in some other countries as well.”
All About Eid al-Fitr
The word Eid translates to “the festival of breaking the fast”, marking the end of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. According to the website of Islamic Relief, “Eid ul-Fitr was first established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah in 624 CE. This was in the second year after the Hijra Sharif and was first celebrated after Muslims had completed a full month of fasting during Ramadan.”Meethi Eid
In India, Eid-al-Fitr is also known as Meethi Eid. Eid celebrations in India also marks the end of the month-long Ramadan fast, and desserts such as seviyan is eaten.Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
