When is eid 2026
Eid Al Fitr 2026 Date and Observations
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, for countries that began Ramadan on February 18. This date is contingent upon the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid festivities.
For those countries that commenced Ramadan a day later, on February 19, 2026, Eid may be declared on Saturday, March 21, 2026, due to crescent visibility issues. The Shawwal crescent moon will not be visible on March 18, making it impossible to declare Eid on that day.
The UAE federal government has announced that the holiday for Eid Al Fitr will extend from March 19 to March 22, 2026. In Saudi Arabia, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will commence at the end of the workday on March 18, allowing citizens to prepare for the celebrations.
On March 19, 2026, the crescent moon is expected to set 29 minutes after sunset in Abu Dhabi, while visibility will be extremely difficult and may require a telescope. In Riyadh, the moon will set 30 minutes after sunset, and in Amman and Jerusalem, it will set 36 minutes after sunset. These timings highlight the challenges in determining the exact date for Eid based on lunar observations.
Countries where Ramadan began on February 18 are expected to complete a full 30 days of fasting, which is a significant aspect of the Islamic tradition. The observance of Eid Al Fitr is a time for communal prayers, feasting, and giving to charity, marking the end of a month of fasting and reflection.
In Bangladesh, the government has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday, indicating that the country may align its celebrations with those observing Eid on that date. This decision reflects the importance of the holiday across different regions and cultures.
As the date approaches, observers are keenly awaiting the official announcements regarding the moon sighting and the final confirmation of Eid celebrations. Details remain unconfirmed, and variations in the observance of Eid Al Fitr highlight the diverse practices within the Muslim community.