Eid ul-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting timing Highlights: India set to celebrate Eid on March 21

Eid Namaz timings in India for Saturday

Here are the prayer timings for Eid across key Indian cities on March 21:

Delhi – 6:15 am

Srinagar – 6:45 am

Hyderabad – 6:20 am

Lucknow – 6:05 am

Gurgaon – 6:17 am

Ghaziabad – 6:13 am

Noida – 6:14 am

President Droupadi Murmu extends Eid greetings

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday extended her greetings to citizens on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, conveying her heartfelt wishes to all, especially Muslim communities in India and abroad. In her message, she highlighted that the festival, celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan, symbolises self-control, charity, compassion, and care for the underprivileged, while also promoting love, brotherhood, peace, and harmony. The President urged citizens to use the occasion as a reminder to work towards the well-being of all, help those in need, foster unity in society, and contribute to the nation’s progress.

Chand Raat 2026: City-wise Moon Sighting Timings - Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata, Bhopal, Jaipur, Ranchi

• Lucknow - 6:42 PM
• Patna -6:25 PM
• Kolkata - 6:14 PM
• Bhopal - 6:59 PM
• Jaipur - 7:03 PM
• Ranchi - 6:26 PM

Eid Mubarak! Here are the Eid namaz timings for key cities in India

• Delhi – 6:15am
• Gurgaon – 6:17am
• Noida – 6:14am
• Ghaziabad – 6:13am
• Lucknow – 6:05am
• Hyderabad – 6:20am
• Srinagar – 6:45am

Celebrating Eid

The festival holds great significance for individuals who follow the Islamic religion globally.

Chand Raat brings festive spirit

Chand Raat, observed on the eve of Eid, is marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon, signalling the end of Ramadan.

Buzzling nights

Local markets across cities in India are buzzing with activity on the occasion of Chand Raat.

What happens on Chaand Raat?

Chaand Raat (literally “Night of the Moon”) is the festive evening when the new crescent moon (chaand) is sighted, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Why is Chand-Raat special?

Chaand Raat is filled with joy, anticipation, and gratitude, it’s the emotional transition from a month of fasting and prayer to a day of celebration, charity, and togetherness.

Mosques, Eidgahs gear up for prayers

Preparations are underway nationwide fo rEid namaz, with arrangements being made for large congregations.

Celebrate the joy of Eid al-Fitr 2026 by sharing heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes with your family and friends

Will India observe Chand Raat today?

Chand Raat in India for Eid al-Fitr 2026 will fall on Friday, March 20. As the crescent moon was not sighted on March 19, Muslims will observe a full 30 days of fasting, making March 20 the last day of Ramadan. Consequently, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 21.

What should you eat first on Eid to break your fast?

On Eid, especially after the month ofRamadan, it is customary to break the fast by first eating dates, following the Sunnah ofProphet Muhammad. Dates are easy to digest and help quickly restore energy after a long period of fasting. This is usually followed by a glass of water or milk to rehydrate the body. After this, people may have something light likeSheer Khurmaor fruits before moving on to a more elaborate Eid meal.

Top five Eid wishes

Eid Mubarak! May this beautiful occasion bring joy, peace, and endless blessings to you and your loved ones.

Wishing you a joyous Eid filled with love, laughter, and prosperity. May all your prayers be answered.

Eid Mubarak! May your heart be filled with gratitude, your home with happiness, and your life with success.

May the spirit of Eid bring you closer to your loved ones and fill your days with positivity and hope.

Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May this special day mark new beginnings and bring peace, prosperity, and good health.

Countries that have confirmed the celebration of Eid today

Several nations across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe have confirmed that Eid will be celebrated today, Friday, March 20, 2026, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, among others.

When did Ramadan begin?

Ramadan in 2026 is believed to have begun on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, with the first day of fasting observed on Thursday, February 19, depending on moon sighting.

What does Eid actually mean?

Eid is called the 'Festival of breaking the fast' as it marks the end of Ramadan and is observed the day after the holy month concludes. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, it is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri year.

Are banks open or closed in India today, Friday, March 20?

Banks in several cities, including Imphal, Jammu, Kochi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, and Vijayawada, remain closed today due to Eid-Ul-Fitr / Jumat-ul-Vida, as per the RBI Holiday Calendar for 2026.

Best kitchen buys for Eid

From air fryers for healthier snacks and induction cooktops for quick cooking to stand mixers for desserts and durable cookware for elaborate meals, these smart kitchen buys help save time and effort.

Eid gifting takes a meaningful turn in 2026

From elegant porcelain tableware and classic watches to signature fragrances and artisanal pieces, this year’s picks are all about gifts that can be used, cherished, and remembered for years to come, blending style, utility, and lasting value.

With Eid set to be celebrated on Saturday, communities across India are preparing for the festivities

The day traditionally begins with the special congregational prayer, Salat al-Eid, followed by visits to friends and family, sharing festive sweets like seviyan and sheer khurma, and giving Zakat al-Fitr to those in need. Markets and homes are being adorned, as preparations for grand festive meals gather pace.

Free parking across UAE cities this Eid, making festive travel easier for everyone

During Eid Al-Fitr 2026, residents across the UAE can enjoy free public parking in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, with authorities waiving fees for several days to ease travel during the festive period, although multi-storey parking facilities may still be chargeable

Planning outdoor Eid at UAE? Here's the weather forecast

The UAE is expected to experience unsettled weather during Eid 2026, with chances of scattered rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, which may impact visibility and lead to rough sea conditions.

Prayers begin at Madurai

Eid al-Fitr prayers were held across Madurai, with the Muslim community coming together to mark the end of the holy month, as the festival is being celebrated nationwide on Saturday, March 21.

Countries expected to celebrate Eid today

Tunisia, Morocco, and Jordan are among the countries expected to celebrate Eid today.

Spain to celebrate Eid today

Eid al-Fitr 2026 has been officially confirmed to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, according to Spain’s Islamic Commission.

How to greet each other on Eid?

On this festive day, people greet each other with 'Eid Mubarak,' share warm embraces as a sign of love and unity, and cherish meaningful moments with family and friends.

How is this Eid-ul-Fitr different from Eid ul-Adha?

The muslim community celebrates two Eids – one is Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the month-long fasting in Ramadan. The other one is about two months after Eid-ul-Fitr and is called Eid-ul-Adha, which commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.

Eid 2026: No open-air Eid-ul-Fitr prayers

Eid prayers will be held exclusively inside mosques this year, with outdoor prayer grounds suspended nationwide. The announcement, made by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, comes at a time of heightened regional sensitivity and reflects a broader shift in how public religious gatherings are being managed across the Gulf.

Here are some Eid wishes you can share with your friends and family, spreading the joy of the festival

Why is Moon Sighting important in Eid?

The Shawwal crescent moon sighting is of great religious significance. It marks the end of Ramadan fasting and the beginning of festivities. The night before Eid is called Chand Raat, centered around festive shopping, social gatherings, and preparations for the next day. The insistence on seeing the moon with the naked eye goes back to the established, prophetic way that time has been kept for Islamic reasons. It also gives it a communal and spiritual dimension as people await official announcements by religious authorities.

Eid ul- Fitr fireworks cancelled at Global Village

Given the current situation in the Middle East, Dubai Global Village has cancelled its annual Eid Fireworks in 2026. Global Village is a popular cultural attraction in the UAE and is visited by thousands of merrymakers every year. This year, the cancellation of its traditional Eid Al Fitr fireworks comes as a precautionary measure amid escalating regional issues. The update also mentioned that the Global Village will remain closed until further notice.

How is Eid Ul-Fitr celebrated in India?

Eid-ul-Fitr starts with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid performed in congregation at mosques or open grounds. Before the prayer, Muslims are obligated to give what is known as Zakat al-Fitr (Zakah) so that poorer members of society can celebrate the festival. These donations create an opportunity for all walks of life to celebrate Eid, regardless of their financial status. The day may start by rising early to don new clothes, wear perfumes, and attend prayers. It is also a tradition to greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.”

Google Gemini AI prompts for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 celebrations on Instagram, WhatsApp status, and Facebook.

High Court orders robust security Uttam Nagar

On March 19, the Delhi High Court directed city police and authorities to maintain a conducive environment for the peaceful and dignified celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, where communal tensions have persisted since a fatal clash on Holi.

What is the history of Eid-ul-Fitr?

Eid-ul-Fitr has its roots in the 7th century, around the time of Prophet Muhammad. Islamic tradition holds that the Prophet introduced this festival after seeing people in Medina celebrate certain days with festivities. He proclaimed Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha as two important Muslim events, which have a basis more in gratitude and devotion than the exercise of mere celebration. The festival is also inextricably tied to the ending of Ramadan, which commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Consequently, Eid-ul-Fitr is more than a mere cultural occasion; it represents an eminently spiritual juncture that signifies the successful completion of a month of discipline, self-restraint, and worship.

Eid in Kashmir on Saturday

In Kashmir, the moon has not been sighted. Now Eid will be celebrated in Kashmir on Saturday, March 21.

‘Eid Namaz will be offered at 10 am at Eidgah Lucknow’

Announcing Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21, the chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, says, "It is being announced that today, on March 19, the moon was not sighted in Lucknow or anywhere in India, so tomorrow, on March 20, 30th Roza will be observed, and on March 21, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated. The Eid Namaz will be offered at 10 am at Eidgah Lucknow, after the Namaz, prayers will be offered for peace in the entire country, and the world".

When is Eid in India, Middle East and Sri Lanka?

Middle East: March 20 (Friday)

India: March 21 (Saturday)

Bangladesh: March 21 (Saturday)

Sri Lanka: March 21 (Saturday)

When is Eid in Bangladesh?

Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Bangladesh on Saturday, March 21, since the moon has not been sighted in the country

India set to celebrate Eid this Saturday

Chairman of the Lucknow Islamic Center, Maulana Khalid Rasheed, has announced that Eid will be on Saturday, March 21.

Shawwal crescent moon sighted in Abu Dhabi, UAE announces date

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal was sighted in the UAE on Thursday, Khaleej Times reported. The UAE had earlier officially announced that the festival would begin on Friday, after the crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday.

Shawwal crescent moon not sighted in India

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal was not sighted in India on Thursday. Following this, clerics have announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the country on Saturday.

Delhi’s Jama Masjid confirms moon not sighted; Eid on March 21

Syed Shaban Bukhari, Deputy Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, New Delhi, announced that the crescent moon was not sighted in Delhi. Consequently, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21.

Eid 2026: Holidays announced in Gulf countries

In the shadow of ongoing conflict, Eid celebrations across parts of West Asia and the Gulf region remain subdued. However, residents in Gulf countries are expected to get a four-day Eid break from March 19 to March 22, as per earlier reports. The holiday period aligns with Eid celebrations across the region.

Delhi Jama Masjid says moon not sighted, Eid on March 21

Crescent not sighted in Delhi, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday (March 21), announces Syed Shaban Bukhari, Deputy Shahi Imam, Jama Masjid, New Delhi.

Sri Lanka to celebrate Eid on Saturday, March 21

Since the Ramadan month ends tomorrow, the Eid in Sri Lanka will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21. “As per the Hilaal subcommittees, ACJU Hilaal, the Colombo Grand Mosque, and the Department of Muslim religious and cultural affairs 14417 will complete 30 days,” the official release said.

Moon Sighting 2026: Kerala to celebrate Eid tomorrow?

As per the updates, Shawwal Moon is sighted in Kerala, and the state will be celebrating the festival tomorrow, March 20.

Will Chand Raat fall on March 19?

Communities across India are gearing up for the 2026 Eid moon sighting, with Chand Raat expected on the evening of March 19. The new moon is predicted to occur early in the morning, around 6:30–7:00 AM IST, meaning the thin crescent could become visible briefly after sunset. People in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad will look toward the western sky between 6 PM and 7 PM. If the Eid-ul-Fitr crescent is sighted, Eid will be celebrated on March 20; otherwise, it may be observed the following day.

Shawwal moon not sighted in Bangladesh

Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday after the moon of Shawwal month of 1447 was not sighted in the country on Thursday, BSS news agency reported.

“The moon of Holy Shawwal month of 1447 Hijri was not sighted in the sky of the country today. The holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday,” the country's religious affairs minister said, according to BSS.