Eid prayers offered on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at Idgah Maidan near Golibar Chowk, Pune (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Timing Live: Follow all the live updates hereEid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date, Time in India Live Updates: Eid ul-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid and the “Festival of Breaking the Fast“, is observed on the day after the last day of Ramadan. One of the most significant festivals in Islam, it falls on the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri Islamic lunar calendar.
This year, Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on March 20, 2026, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, completing 30 days of fasting.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf countries are observing Eid today on Friday; meanwhile, South Asia, on the other hand, will celebrate a day later, which means countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan will most likely observe the final day of Roza and sight the moon today, on Friday, March 20, and celebrate Eid on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Eid prayers offered on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at Idgah Maidan near Golibar Chowk, Pune (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)
People gather in huge numbers for the Eid-ul-Fitr namaz in Ahmedabad’s historic Jama Masjid in the walled city area near Manekchowk. (Express Photo By Bhupendra Rana)
To celebrate Eid, we have curated some special wishes that you can share with your loved ones. READ MORE HERE
Prayers continue to be offered in various parts of the country. Here's a glimpse of people offering prayers at Jama Masjid in Sector 20 Chandigarh (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Muslims offer prayer on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr outside Jama Masjid in Ludhiana (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
Eid marks gratitude, renewal, and community. It celebrates the completion of fasting discipline, and emphasises charity, compassion, and togetherness. Wish your near and dear ones with these special wishes on the occasion. READ MORE

Delhi's Uttam Nagar, where a localised clash left a man dead and triggered communal tensions in the area, is observing Eid-ul-Fitr in a subdued atmosphere amid tight security on Saturday, reports PTI. A heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel has been put in place across Hastsal village and adjoining localities, with barricades erected at entry and exit points and strict identity checks are in effect, an official said.
Only residents are being allowed into certain stretches after verification, while the movement of outsiders is restricted. Additionally, teams are conducting regular foot patrols and monitoring rooftop positions, narrow lanes and other sensitive pockets through CCTV cameras to prevent any untoward incident. "Security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure the festival passes off peacefully. We are maintaining a close watch on all developments," a senior police officer said, adding that more forces are on standby. Despite heavy security and restrictions, locals have begun offering Eid prayers, though celebrations remain largely low key.
On Holi (March 4), one Tarun (26) died after being injured in a clash between two neighbouring families in JJ Colony. The altercation was triggered after a water balloon thrown by a girl from one family accidentally hit a woman from the other. The incident had led to protests by some groups, during which two vehicles linked to the accused were set on fire. Police have since arrested multiple accused in connection with the case.
India celebrates Eid: Muslims offer Namaz at YMCA Ground, Mumbai Central, during Eid al-Fitr prayers, symbolising faith, unity, and the culmination of Ramadan (Express Photo by Akash Patil)

Amid dense fog, people gather at Delhi's Jama Masjid to offer Eid Namaz. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished everyone on the occasion of Eid. In a post on X, he wrote, "Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this day further brotherhood and kindness all around. May everyone be happy and healthy. Eid Mubarak"
India celebrates is Eid al-Fitr (also called Ramzan Eid) today. It is being celebrated today after the crescent moon was sighted on March 20, marking the end of Ramadan. Wish your loved ones with these wishes. READ MORE
The crescent moon has been sighted, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the country tomorrow.
Visuals from Mumbai capture the festive mood as people prepare for prayers, gatherings, and celebrations
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Eid-ul-Fitr: Crescent moon sighted; celebrations to begin across the country tomorrow. Visuals from Mumbai.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 20, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/pl4tAcjHqe
Preparations are in full swing across the country as people get ready to offer Eid prayers. Here are the prayer timings for key cities:
While most of India will celebrate Eid on March 21, Kerala is observing the festival today (March 20). According to PTI, the Shawwal crescent moon was sighted in parts of the state on Thursday evening (March 19), prompting clerics to declare Friday as Eid. In the rest of the country, where the moon was not seen, celebrations have been deferred to the following day.
Eid celebrations begin with special congregational prayers held early in the morning, often in mosques or open grounds, bringing communities together in large numbers. A key ritual before these prayers is the giving of zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory form of charity aimed at supporting the poor so everyone can partake in the festivities.
The day is also marked by wearing new clothes, exchanging greetings of 'Eid Mubarak,' visiting family and friends, and sharing meals and sweets. Many people also use the occasion to seek forgiveness and strengthen bonds, highlighting the spirit of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness that defines Eid al-Fitr.
In Jaipur, a large number of people gathered to offer namaz on the last Friday of Ramzan. The prayers saw significant participation as devotees came together in anticipation of celebrating Eid al-Fitr the following day.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Jaipur, Rajasthan | People in large numbers offer namaz on the last Friday of Ramzan month, to celebrate Eid Al Fitr tomorrow pic.twitter.com/l24umhFwKt
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2026
Football star Cristiano Ronaldo took to X to wish people celebrating Eid across the globe. In his message, he conveyed warm greetings, expressing hope that the day is filled with joy, peace, and special moments for everyone.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsEid Mubarak to all! 🌙 I hope you have a very special day with your family and loved ones. Wishing you all peace and happiness. pic.twitter.com/pwmmOTBYlp
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 20, 2026
In a significant development, the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem will remain closed for Eid prayers this Friday, marking the first such instance since 1967.

Image source: AP/PTI
"On Friday morning hundreds of worshippers were forced to pray outside the Old City, as Israeli police barricaded the entrances to the site," a report by The Guardian mentioned.
The Delhi Police has implemented extensive security measures across the city to ensure Eid is celebrated in a peaceful and orderly manner. Authorities have appealed to citizens to remain responsible and avoid sharing rumours or unverified information on social media.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsDelhi Police has put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure that Eid is celebrated in a safe, peaceful and harmonious environment across the city.
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) March 20, 2026
Citizens are urged to act responsibly and refrain from sharing rumours, unverified content, or misleading…
The waxing crescent moon marking Eid 2026 is expected to be visible today, March 20, shortly after sunset. In Delhi and Noida, where sunset is around 6:30 PM IST, the best window to spot the moon is between 6:30 PM and 7:15 PM IST, before it sets soon after.
Viewers should look towards the west-northwest horizon to catch a glimpse of the very thin crescent, which will be only about 1–2% illuminated and may appear close to the planet Venus. The moon is expected to set between 6:56 PM and 7:00 PM IST, making the sighting window brief.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Live: After a month of fasting during Ramzan, it is customary to begin Eid celebrations by eating dates. Dates are easy on the stomach and help quickly restore energy levels. This is typically followed by water or milk to rehydrate the body and gently ease back into regular eating.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Live Updates: A large number of Muslims gathered in the old city of Lucknow on Friday to offer Alvida ki namaz, a day before the Eid festival. The congregational prayers saw significant participation as devotees marked the final Friday of Ramzan with devotion and reflection. (Express Photos by Vishal Srivastav)

Eid al-Fitr 2026 Live: In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi addressed the Jalsa Youm-Ul-Quran after offering namaz at Makkah Masjid on Jumat-ul-Wida, drawing large crowds as the city marked the spiritual culmination of Ramzan.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Hyderabad: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi addresses Jalsa Youm-Ul-Quran after offering namaz at Makkah Masjid on Jumat-ul-Wida.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 20, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/vAxrPB9bQ0
Multiple countries across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe have announced the celebration of Eid today, Friday, March 20, 2026. Nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine are marking the festival, with communities coming together in prayer and festivities.
In Jaipur, large crowds gathered to offer namaz on the last Friday of Ramzan, marking the spiritual lead-up to Eid al-Fitr. The atmosphere was filled with devotion and anticipation as people prepared to celebrate the festival the next day.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Jaipur, Rajasthan | People in large numbers offer namaz on the last Friday of Ramzan month, to celebrate Eid Al Fitr tomorrow pic.twitter.com/l24umhFwKt
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2026
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman joined worshippers for Eid prayers in Mecca. Huge crowds filled the Masjid al-Haram and surrounding courtyards to celebrate the festival.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman performs #eidalfitr prayer at the Grand Mosque in #makkah https://t.co/qtpaOZIhjg
— Arab News (@arabnews) March 20, 2026
📹: @spagov pic.twitter.com/4rjb3WJmUC
A large number of people thronged Delhi’s Jama Masjid area yesterday for Eid shopping and food despite the rain, and a similar turnout is expected today.
Tokyo Camii scheduled four Eid al-Fitr prayer slots on March 20, 2026, anticipating a large turnout from the city’s growing Muslim community. The staggered timings helped ensure smooth crowd management, with worshippers advised to follow guidelines like arriving prepared and exiting promptly to accommodate others.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js🔴 Eid prayer was held five times at Tokyo Camii in Japan due to high attendance. pic.twitter.com/og9lFfZTiB
— Universal News (@universalnewsx) March 20, 2026
Thousands of Muslims gathered at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to celebrate Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan. The mosque was filled with worshippers praying around the Kaaba, reflecting devotion and unity. Families, including children, joined the event, which was securely managed.
At New Delhi's Jama Masjid, a large number of worshippers gathered to perform the Ramadan Alvida Namaz as they celebrated the last day of the holy month of Ramadan. (Express Photo)
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 in India is set to be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with the moon sighting, known as 'Chand Raat', expected to take place on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2026, following sunset.
The Shawwal crescent moon is predicted to be visible between approximately 6:15 PM and 6:40 PM IST on March 20.
Estimated moonset times for March 20, 2026 (Chand Raat) are as follows:
Delhi: ~6:58 PM IST
Mumbai: ~7:12 PM IST
Kolkata: ~6:30 PM IST
Hyderabad: ~6:50 PM IST
Chennai: ~6:50 PM IST
Lucknow: ~6:20 PM IST
Note: The timings may lead to variations and will be confirmed after sighting of the crescent moon by local authorities.
Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking Fast, was founded by Prophet Muhammad in 7th-century Medina, following his migration from Mecca. It marks the end of Ramadan’s 30-day fast. Originating in 624 AD by Prophet Muhammad after the Battle of Badr, it signifies gratitude to Allah for strength, community unity, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and joy.
Explaining the significance, Sanghamitra Sarcar, founder and director, The Hawking St. told indianexpress.com, “Meethi Eid is important because it symbolises a time of joy, forgiveness and gratitude. It is time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate the bounties of Ramadan. The evening meal of the holy month is usually meat dominated and as Ramzan is closed, the next day is celebrated as Eid. The day starts with something sweet after a month-long period of fasting and praying.” Read more here.
Banks across several Indian cities: Imphal, Jammu, Kochi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, are closed today, on account of Eid-Ul-Fitr / Jumat-ul-Vida, as mentioned in the RBI Holiday Calendar for 2026. Read more details here.
Former president of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, extends Eid al-Fitr wishes, on X:
Share the joy of Eid al-Fitr 2026 with heartfelt wishes you can send to family and friends.

Eid Mubarak! May this special day bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to you and your family.
Wishing you a blessed Eid ul-Fitr. May Allah accept your fasts and prayers from this Ramadan.
Sending you love and light this Eid. May your home be filled with laughter and your plate with delicious treats!
India will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, 21 March, as announced by the chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli. He reported to the PTI, stating, "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."