Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Date: When is Eid Moon Sighting, Chand Raat in India, Saudi Arab, UAE, Iran, Pakistan & More

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important Islamic festivals, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, the festival begins with the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which determines the exact date each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Date: When is Eid Moon Sighting?

In 2026, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to begin on the evening of Thursday, 19 March, with the first day of celebrations likely falling on Friday, 20 March, subject to moon sighting. Because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the festival date varies by region depending on when the crescent moon becomes visible.

Most Gulf countries are expected to celebrate Eid on 20 March 2026, while South Asian nations including India and Pakistan are likely to observe it a day later, on 21 March 2026. However, the final confirmation comes only after official moon-sighting announcements by religious authorities in each country.

Chand Raat 2026: The Night Before Eid; Shawwal Moon Sighting

The evening when the crescent moon is sighted is known as Chand Raat (Night of the Moon). It marks the joyful conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid festivities. Markets remain open late into the night as families shop for clothes, sweets, gifts, and decorative items. Many women apply henna (mehndi), and households prepare traditional dishes in anticipation of the celebrations.

When Is Eid in India?

In India, the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on the evening of 20 March 2026, around 6:45 PM IST. If confirmed, Eid will be celebrated on 21 March 2026. Due to geographical differences, some regions may report slight variations in moon visibility, but nationwide celebrations typically follow official announcements from religious bodies.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in Gulf Countries; Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran & More

Eid Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, which often leads Gulf countries in lunar observations, is likely to sight the crescent on 19 March 2026 at around 6:25 PM local time. This would make Friday, 20 March 2026, the first day of Eid. The day begins with special morning prayers, followed by family gatherings, festive meals, and charitable acts.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting in UAE

The United Arab Emirates generally follows regional moon sightings in the Gulf. The crescent is expected to be visible on 19 March 2026 at approximately 6:20 PM local time, placing Eid celebrations on 20 March 2026. Residents typically mark the occasion with prayers, social visits, and traditional desserts.

When Is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in Iran?

Iran is expected to celebrate Eid on 21 March 2026, with the crescent moon likely to be sighted on the evening of 20 March. Communities observe the day with prayers, festive meals, and gatherings with relatives.

Eid Date in South Asian Countries

When Is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in Pakistan?

Pakistan traditionally observes Eid a day after Saudi Arabia due to local moon-sighting practices. The crescent is expected to be visible on 20 March 2026 around 6:30 PM local time, which would make 21 March 2026 the first day of Eid celebrations across the country.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in Bangladesh, Nepal & Sri Lanka

Other South Asian nations such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka usually rely on domestic moon sightings. Most projections suggest Eid will fall on 21 March 2026, subject to confirmation on the evening of 20 March.

Why Eid Date Changes Every Year

Eid-ul-Fitr follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, causing Eid to shift earlier every year in the solar calendar.

Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the completion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and charity. It is a time of gratitude, forgiveness, and community bonding. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation that ensures the less fortunate can also participate in the festivities.

Although officially observed for one day, celebrations in many communities continue for up to three days.

How Eid-ul-Fitr Is Celebrated

Common traditions associated with Eid include:

• Performing special congregational Eid prayers in mosques or open grounds
• Wearing new or traditional clothes
• Visiting relatives and friends
• Sharing festive meals and sweets such as seviyan and dates
• Giving gifts and money (Eidi) to children
• Donating to charity and helping those in need
• Roja (Fasting) is prohibited on Eid day, allowing families to enjoy meals freely after a month of daytime fasting.