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Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date and Time: Know Its History And Significance | When is Eid Al-Fitr In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India?
Eid 2026 Date in India, Saudi Arabia: As the moon was sighted on Thursday evening, Eid Al Fitr in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the neighbouring Gulf countries is being celebrated today, on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date and Time: On the day of the festival, people exchange "Eid Mubarak" greetings and embrace one another as a symbol of love and brotherhood, all while spending quality time with loved ones.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date and Time, History, Significance and Importance: Eid al-Fitr, also known as Ramzan Eid or Meethi Eid, is one of Islam’s most important festivals, observed by Muslims worldwide.
It celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month celebrated by followers who fast from dawn to sunset (roza).
LIVE NOW: Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Timing Live Updates: Check Here
Eid is celebrated on the day following Ramadan’s last day, hence the name ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Dates in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India
Eid al-Fitr falls on the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijri, or the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Saudi Supreme Court issued an official statement on Thursday, announcing that Muslims across the Kingdom have sighted the crescent moon of Shawwal on March 19, 2026, marking the end of Ramadan.
It follows the Umm Al Qura calendar, which suggests Wednesday corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 Date: Is it on March 20 or March 21? Check Correct Date Moon Sighting Details
As a result, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the adjoining GCC countries are celebrating Eid al-Fitr today, on Friday, 20 March 2026.
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South Asia, on the other hand, typically commemorates the festival a day later, which means countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan will observe the final day of Roza and sight the moon on Friday, March 20, and celebrate Eid on Saturday, March 21.
If Eid al-Fitr 2026: History, Significance, and Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr originated during the Prophet Muhammad’s time, when he established two significant Islamic holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Eid begins with early morning prayers known as Eid Salah, which are commonly held in mosques or on open grounds, and is followed by family gatherings for lavish feasts featuring sweet foods like Seviyan (vermicelli), Kheer, and Phirni, hence the name Meethi Eid.
READ: Eid-Ul-Fitr: Why is it called ‘Meethi Eid’?
On the day of the festival, people exchange “Eid Mubarak” greetings and embrace one another as a symbol of love and brotherhood, all while spending quality time with loved ones.
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The festival signifies and expresses thankfulness to Allah for His mercy and bounty, while also celebrating unity and cultivating love, kindness, and charity among families and communities.
FROM LAST YEAR: Go all out this Eid with fashion inspiration from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Mahira Khan, Sajal Aly
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