Eid-ul-Fitr Moon Sighting 2026: India Awaits Chaand Raat as Shawwal Crescent Expected Tonight

India is set for a crucial evening of moon sighting on 19 March, as Muslims across the country prepare for Chaand Raat to determine the date of Eid-ul-Fitr 2026. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent will decide whether the festival is observed on Friday, 20 March, or Saturday, 21 March.

Today marks the 29th day of Ramadan in India, with moon sighting committees, mosque authorities and local observers preparing to scan the skies shortly after sunset. The appearance of the crescent will signal the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH.

Astronomical estimates suggest a reasonable chance of the crescent being visible this evening, depending on weather conditions. In Delhi-NCR, the expected visibility window is between 6:24 pm and 6:58 pm, with similar observation windows likely across other regions.

If the moon is sighted today, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on 20 March. If not, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will be observed on 21 March.

Chaand Raat, the evening of moon sighting, carries deep cultural significance. Families gather after sunset to look for the crescent, while markets witness a surge in last-minute shopping for clothes, sweets and festive essentials. Once confirmed, announcements are made through mosques and local committees, formally marking the arrival of Eid.

India typically celebrates Eid a day after Saudi Arabia due to differences in moon visibility. Saudi Arabia has already confirmed Eid on 20 March after the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on 18 March, completing 30 days of Ramadan. Observatories in Tumair, Sudair, Al-Hariq and Dammam reported cloudy skies and poor visibility, preventing confirmation.

Following Saudi Arabia, countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey and Lebanon have also confirmed Eid on 20 March. In contrast, Singapore has declared 21 March based on its lunar calculations, highlighting regional differences in determining the Islamic calendar.

In India, the final decision rests on verified local sightings. Authorities in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata are on standby to confirm reports before issuing official announcements.

Eid-ul-Fitr, popularly known as Meethi Eid in India, marks the end of a month of fasting, prayer and charity during Ramadan. The festival begins with the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring that those in need can also participate in the celebrations.

The day typically starts with special Eid prayers, followed by family gatherings and festive meals. Traditional dishes such as sheer khurma, seviyan and biryani are prepared, while children receive Eidi from elders.

Globally, several countries have also announced arrangements for the festival. Qatar has declared a week-long public holiday from 17 to 23 March, while authorities in the UAE have issued prayer guidelines and public service measures. Sharjah has announced free public parking for the first three days of Eid along with enhanced transport services.

In India, however, financial markets are expected to function as usual, with no trading holidays announced between 19 and 21 March despite the festival falling in this period.

As anticipation builds, all eyes remain on the sky this evening. The confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent will mark the end of Ramadan and usher in one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.