Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date: Eid al-Fitr is one of the two significant festivals in Islam that are observed all over the world. It is also referred to as the "feast of breaking the fast" because it celebrates the end of the fast in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, i.e., Ramadan.
With the holy month of Ramadan nearing its end, Muslims all over the world are eagerly waiting for the arrival of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. As the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, the date of Eid al-Fitr varies every year and can only be confirmed after seeing the moon.
When Will Eid al-Fitr 2026 Begin?
According to the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, March 19, in various parts of the world. However, the exact date of Eid al-Fitr may vary as the start of the month of Shawwal is based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Expected Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date in India
In India, Eid al-Fitr in 2026 will probably be observed on either March 20 or March 21, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
According to astronomical calculations, in India, the month of Ramadan in the year 2026 might come to a close on March 19. If the crescent of the new moon of Shawwal appears on the evening of March 19, Eid al-Fitr will be observed on March 20.
If the new moon does not appear on the evening of March 19, Muslims will complete their 30-day fasting. Eid al-Fitr will be observed on March 21.
Astronomers in Oman have calculated that the crescent of the new moon of Shawwal might appear on March 19. Eid al-Fitr might be observed in regions of Oman on March 20.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Chand Raat
The night on which Muslims await the appearance of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Shawwal is commonly known as Chand Raat, or "night of the moon." On this night, moon sighting committees and scholars across India observe the sky after sunset to announce the start of Eid after spotting the crescent moon.
On Chand Raat, markets are open through the night as people shop for new clothes, sweets, and other items to be used during the celebrations. Mehendi is applied on hands to be worn on the following day, and special dishes are prepared to be consumed during the celebrations.
Eid al-Fitr Holidays Announced in GCC Countries
UAE Eid al-Fitr Holidays
The federal government employees in the UAE will enjoy a holiday from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, 2026. After the holidays, work will resume on Monday, March 23.
The private sector employees in the UAE will enjoy a four-day holiday from March 19 to March 21. On March 22, those employees who normally work on Sundays will have to go to work.
If the month of Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the Eid holidays may extend up to Sunday, March 22.
Saudi Arabia Eid Holidays
The Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia will start from Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan (1447 AH). These holidays will last for four days. On Sunday, March 22, work will resume.
Kuwait Holiday Plans
The authorities in Kuwait have planned two holiday options based on the ending of the holy month of Ramadan.
- If the holy month of Ramadan ends on March 19, the Eid holidays will last from Thursday to Monday.
- If the holy month of Ramadan ends on March 18, the Eid holidays will last from Thursday to Sunday.
Oman Announces Five-Day Holiday
Employees in the public and private sectors in Oman are set to enjoy a five-day break from March 19 to 24, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan.
Jordan Declares Long Weekend
The government in Jordan has declared a long weekend. According to the Petra news agency, the Eid holiday will commence on Friday, March 20, and end on Monday, March 23.
Why Is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?
Eid al-Fitr is the "festival of breaking the fast." It is a celebration of the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In the Islamic calendar, the month of Ramadan is a time for fasting from dawn to sunset. It is a time for prayer and the practice of charity and self-discipline. The day of Eid is marked by a special prayer. The prayer is held at a mosque or a prayer ground. Before the prayer, Zakat al-Fitr is given. Zakat al-Fitr is a charity that is given to those who are in need so that they too may join in the celebrations. The festival is widely observed by Muslims. It is observed by visiting family members and friends and by eating sheer khurma, seviyan, and Eid biryanis.
Disclaimer: Eid al-Fitr dates may vary, as the beginning of the Shawwal month is confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted.