Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 moon sighting Highlights: Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not seen on Wednesday evening.
This means the holy month of Ramadan will last 30 days in the country.
Several Countries to Celebrate Eid on March 20
Reports confirmed that the Shawwal 1447 AH moon was not visible, leading to the Friday Eid announcement. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Lebanon will also celebrate Eid on March 20, following similar moon sighting updates.
India Awaits Moon Sighting Decision
In India, the final decision depends on local moon sighting. Ramadan started on February 18, and March 19 marks the 29th day of fasting. If the moon is seen on Thursday evening, Eid will be celebrated on Friday, March 20. If not, fasting will continue for one more day, and Eid will be observed on Saturday, March 21.
Authorities and religious bodies in India will confirm the final date after the moon sighting, as preparations for Eid continue across the country.
If Moon Is Not Sighted, Eid Likely on March 21
If the crescent moon is not seen on Thursday, Ramadan will complete 30 days on Friday, March 20, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The Saudi Supreme Court had earlier announced that the Shawwal crescent would be observed following traditional Sunnah practices. The main observations are carried out at Sudair and Tumair, where astronomers from Al Maj'mah University are responsible for spotting the moon. The United Arab Emirates has declared that Eid al-Fitr holidays for federal government employees will begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and continue until Sunday, March 22, 2026.
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