Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: How to break your fast on Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals in Islam, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, with the date determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.
According to the latest updates, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several Gulf countries have confirmed Eid-ul-Fitr on March 20, 2026. This follows the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent on March 18, leading to the completion of 30 days of fasting.
In India, the crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday, prompting religious authorities to announce that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on March 21, 2026. Muslims across the country will fast for one more day before celebrating the festival.
Indonesia has also confirmed March 21 as the first day of Eid, in line with India’s expected date.
Across West Asia, preparations for Eid are underway, with countries like the UAE announcing prayer timings across emirates. However, celebrations in some parts of the region are expected to remain low-key due to ongoing tensions, with smaller gatherings and limited festivities.
Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid, is marked by special prayers, the giving of charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and spending time with family and friends. The eve of Eid, known as Chand Raat, is traditionally a time for shopping and final preparations.
Stay tuned to this live blog for the latest updates on moon sightings, Eid dates, and celebrations from India and around the world.
Chand Raat marks Ramadan’s spiritual close
Chand Raat is not just about the sighting of the moon, but represents the emotional and spiritual culmination of a month-long period of fasting and reflection.
Gulf nations declare four-day Eid holiday
Gulf countries have announced a four-day public holiday from March 19 to 22 for Eid-ul-Fitr, although celebrations are expected to be relatively subdued amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Kerala celebrates Eid ahead of rest of India
Kerala is marking Eid-ul-Fitr today after the crescent moon was sighted in parts of the state on Thursday evening, leading to celebrations a day earlier than in most other regions of India.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live Updates: How to break your fast on Eid
It is customary to begin Eid with dates, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, as they are gentle on the stomach and help restore energy. This is typically followed by water or milk, and a light dish such as Sheer Khurma or fruits before moving on to the main meal.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: Chand Raat lights up markets with festive rush
Markets are alive with festive energy as Chand Raat unfolds today, with crowds thronging shops for clothes, sweets, and gifts. Streets glow with lights as families and friends step out to soak in the celebrations ahead of Eid.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live Updates: Moon sighting timings across key cities
The crescent moon is expected to be visible this evening across several Indian cities, with timings ranging from 6:14 pm in Kolkata to around 7:03 pm in Jaipur, alongside scheduled sighting windows in Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, and Ranchi.
UAE announces Eid prayer timings across emirates
The UAE has released official Eid-ul-Fitr prayer timings across its emirates, with prayers set between 6:37 am and 6:48 am. Cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and others will begin congregational prayers within this window, according to the announced schedule.
Schools likely shut for Eid on March 21
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: As Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on March 20 or 21, schools and educational institutions across India are likely to observe a holiday on March 21.
Moon sighting window set for India
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live Updates: With Chand Raat expected on March 19, people in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad can watch for the crescent moon in the western sky between 6 pm and 7 pm.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: Indonesia confirms first day of Eid-ul-Fitr
Indonesia officially announced March 21 as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The crescent moon sighting has not yet been confirmed.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: Shawwal moon not sighted in Bangladesh
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting LIVE updates: Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday after the moon of Shawwal month of 1447 was not sighted in the country on Thursday, BSS news agency reported. “The moon of Holy Shawwal month of 1447 Hijri was not sighted in the sky of the country today. The holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday,†the country's religious affairs minister said, according to a media report.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: Pakistan-Afghanistan pause fighting for Eid
Pakistan and Afghanistan have announced a temporary halt to fighting until Eid, with no exchanges of fire reported so far—marking the first lull since clashes erupted in late February.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: Dubai readies 900 mosques for Eid prayers
Eid prayers will be held across 900 mosques in Dubai at 6 pm, according to an announcement by the Dubai Media Office on X, reflecting large-scale preparations for the festival across the city.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Live: Al Aqsa mosque closed for Eid prayers
For the first time since 1967, Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, the al-Aqsa Mosque, will remain closed at the end of Ramadan this Friday. With Israeli authorities keeping the complex shut, tensions are rising among Palestinians, who are now expected to offer Eid prayers as close as possible to the sealed site.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Live: Asaduddin Owaisi addresses crowd in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi addressed the gathering at the Jalsa Youm-Ul-Quran after offering Namaz at Makkah Masjid on Jumat-ul-Wida. The event drew large crowds as the city came together to mark the spiritual conclusion of Ramzan, celebrating the essence of Eid al-Fitr 2026.
VIDEO | 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
Delhi Police strengthens security measures ahead of Eid, urges citizens to stay vigilant
Delhi 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…
Crescent moon timing for Eid 2026: When and where to spot it?
The waxing crescent moon for Eid 2026 will be visible today, March 20, 2026, low in the western sky for about 30–45 minutes after sunset. In Noida and Delhi, sunset is around 6:30 PM IST, so the best time to see the crescent is between 6:30 PM and 7:15 PM IST, as the moon will set shortly afterwards.
- Moonset: Around 6:56 PM to 7:00 PM IST
- Direction: Look towards the west-northwest horizon
- Visibility: A very thin crescent, about 1–2% illuminated, will appear close to Venus.
Wishing you a joyous Eid filled with love, laughter, and prosperity. May all your prayers be answered
What to eat first to break your fast on Eid
After a month of fasting during Ramadan, it is customary on Eid to begin by eating dates, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad. Dates are gentle on the stomach and quickly replenish energy lost during the day. This is often followed by a glass of water or milk to restore hydration. Many people then have a light snack, like Sheer Khurma or fresh fruits, before enjoying the full Eid meal.
Nations observing Eid celebrations today
Several countries across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe have announced that Eid will be celebrated today, Friday, March 20, 2026. These include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, among others.