Shawwal Moon Not Sighted; Eid-ul-Fitr to be Celebrated in India on Saturday
In other parts of the world, including Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Bangladesh, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania, moon sighting observations are being conducted today.
Hyderabad: The date for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in India has been officially announced after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. The President of the Deccan Muslim Ulema Council’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed across India on Saturday, March 21.
According to the committee, the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will be celebrated the following day. Earlier, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened its monthly meeting in Hyderabad to review reports regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
The committee, which follows Shariah-based evidence, evaluates testimonies received from across the country before making an official announcement on moon sighting and the date of Eid. The public had also been urged to participate in moon sighting efforts and report any confirmed sightings.
Meanwhile, preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr are in full swing in Saudi Arabia and several other countries. Reports indicate that the crescent moon was not sighted there earlier, leading to the completion of 30 days of fasting. As a result, Eid is expected to be celebrated on Friday in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
In other parts of the world, including Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Bangladesh, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania, moon sighting observations are being conducted today.
Astronomers suggest that the chances of moon sighting in many Asian countries are relatively low, increasing the likelihood that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Saturday in these regions. However, final announcements will depend on official confirmations based on moon sighting reports, which are typically observed shortly after sunset.
It is worth noting that different countries follow varying methods for moon sighting. While many rely on traditional visual confirmation, others also consider astronomical calculations or announcements from neighboring regions.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most significant festivals for Muslims worldwide, celebrated with special prayers, charity, and communal gatherings.
