Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date And Time: The festival of Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslim devotees all over India and the world fast and pray to the Almighty Allah
for good wishes and forgiveness. The occasion is the biggest in the Islamic calendar, when families gather to recite the verses of the great Quran, offer prayers and have the most wonderful celebrations and collective meals.
In 2026, Eid ul Fitr is expected to fall in India either on March 20 or 21. The exact date for the festivities depends on when the crescent moon is sighted, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
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As Muslims undergo the challenging fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, the arrival of Eid ul Fitr is also celebrated as an occasion to pray for continuous peace, patience and strength in one’s life beyond the holy month.
Apart from the prayers and spiritual reflection, Eid ul Fitr is also the occasion when Muslims take part in charity and donate towards welfare practices.
When To Watch The Crescent Moon In India And Other Countries
Since the Islamic calendar is lunar and follows the cycle of the moon, the date for the Eid ul Fitr – the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the calendar – changes every year. As the system is variable, the exact day of Eid ul Fitr cannot be confirmed until the crescent moon is sighted. The crescent moon denotes a lunar phase when only a thin, curved sliver of the Moon is visible from Earth.
Muslims usually look for the crescent moon on the 29th evening of the holy month of Ramadan.
‘Chand Raat’ On March 19
In 2026, the 29th evening or the ‘Chand Raat’ of Ramadan falls on March 19. If the moon is indeed spotted on ‘Chand Raat’, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated the following day – March 20. However, if the crescent moon is not visible that night, Ramadan will complete its 30-day period and Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on March 21.
In India, the official confirmation of the arrival of the crescent moon comes from local moon-sighting committees and religious leaders after sunset. According to the astronomical estimates, the moon sighting for Eid ul Fitr will take place on the evening of March 20 in various states here. The date and the timings for the festival may vary in other countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries, depending on the crescent moon sighting.
