Eid 2026 Date in India Revealed? Check Expected Eid-ul-Fitr Date and Chand Raat Timing

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in Islam, is expected to be celebrated in India next week at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The exact Eid‑ul‑Fitr date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon that signals the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

Muslims across India observe Ramadan with daily fasting, prayers, and charity, and the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated at the conclusion of this month-long spiritual observance.

When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Expected?

According to Islamic calendar, Ramadan in 2026 began around February 19, after the sighting of the crescent moon on February 18. The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on lunar observations.

Based on these calculations, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on March 20 or March 21 in India. However, the exact date will only be confirmed after the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted.

When is Chand Raat and Moon Sighting

The evening when the crescent moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan is known as Chand Raat, which translates to "night of the moon."
In 2026, Chand Raat is expected on the evening of March 19, when local moon-sighting committees and religious authorities will confirm the visibility of the Shawwal moon.

If the moon is sighted on March 19, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on March 20. If the crescent is not visible, Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid will be observed on March 21.

Mosques and Islamic organizations across India traditionally announce the official date after confirming moon sightings.

Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and Celebrations

On the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims gather in mosques and open grounds for special Eid prayers held shortly after sunrise. These congregational prayers are followed by sermons and greetings among the community.

Families and friends celebrate the day with festive meals, gatherings, and acts of charity. One of the most popular traditional dishes prepared during Eid in India is Sheer Khurma, a sweet dessert made with vermicelli, milk, dates, and dry fruits.

The festival also emphasises generosity and compassion. Muslims give Zakat-ul-Fitr, a charitable donation meant to help those in need celebrate the festival.

Eid Public holiday in India

Eid-ul-Fitr is recognised as a gazetted holiday in India, meaning government offices, banks, and many institutions remain closed for the day. Schools and businesses in many parts of the country also observe the holiday. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact date of Eid may vary slightly between regions depending on the local moon sighting.