What is the story about?
As Ramadan's holy month comes to a close, millions of Muslims across India and also around the world have started preparing for Eid-al-Fitr, but there
is one question clouding everyone's minds. One of the most significant festivals of Islam, Eid-al-Fitr when to celebrate. In 2026, Eid is expected to fall on either of the days, March 20 or March 21. The day that Eid will be celebrated depends on the sighting of the crescent moon that would eventually mark the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
What is Eid-al-Fitr?
Commonly called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of a month-long period where Muslims around the world fast, pray, donate to charity and reflect during the time of Ramadan. In this case, the exact date of Eid is not fixed in advance. This is because the festival of Eid generally falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Since the Islamic calendar follows the cycle of the moon, the exact date of Eid changes every year and is confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted.
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When Will Moon Sighting Happen For India?
In the Islamic calendar, months last either 29 or 30 days. Muslims will look for the crescent moon on the 29th of Ramadan, which falls on March 19, a night also known as Chand Raat. If the moon is sighted on the evening of March 19, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, the first day of Shawwal. If the moon is not visible that night, Ramadan will complete 30 days, placing Eid celebrations on Saturday, March 21. Astronomical calculations currently suggest that the moon will likely be visible on the evening of March 19, making March 20 the most probable date for the festival in the Indian subcontinent
In India, the official announcement is usually made by local moon-sighting committees and religious authorities after sunset. Cities with large Muslim populations, including Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Mumbai, traditionally hold gatherings where scholars and community leaders confirm whether the crescent has been sighted.
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Moon Sighting And Chand Raat
The evening when the crescent moon is first sighted is known as Chand Raat, a time filled with excitement and preparations for the festival. Markets stay open late as families shop for new clothes, sweets and festive foods. Many also apply mehendi and prepare traditional dishes that will be served on Eid morning.
