Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Expected March 18-19: India, Saudi Arabia, UAE Await Shawwal Crescent
New Delhi/Riyadh/Dubai — As Ramadan 2026 nears its end, anticipation is building across India and several Middle Eastern countries for the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which will determine the exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to reports, the moon sighting is expected to take place around March 18–19, depending on geographical location. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, religious authorities have urged people to look for the crescent on the evening of March 18. If the moon is spotted that day, Eid will likely be celebrated on March 19 or 20 in Gulf countries.
However, if the crescent is not visible, Ramadan will complete 30 days, pushing Eid celebrations by a day. In that case, Eid in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and neighbouring Gulf nations is expected on March 20.
In India, the process follows a similar pattern but usually occurs a day later due to regional moon visibility differences. The crescent is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 19 or 20. If confirmed on March 19, Eid will be celebrated on March 20; otherwise, it is likely to fall on March 21.
Major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Kolkata will conduct local moon sighting observations after sunset, with official announcements typically made by regional moon sighting committees.
The evening of moon sighting, popularly known as Chand Raat, holds special significance. Markets remain crowded as people shop for clothes, sweets, and festive items, while families prepare for the celebrations ahead.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with special prayers, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and gatherings with family and friends. Since the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the exact date of Eid varies each year and across regions, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted.
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Overall, while astronomical calculations provide an estimate, the final confirmation of Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 will depend on official moon sighting announcements in each country.
Eid 2026 moon sighting on March 18-19: Saudi Arabia, UAE, India await Shawwal crescent. Chand Raat preparations begin as Ramadan draws to a close.
