Eid ul-Fitr 2026 Date in India: March 20 or March 21? Moon Sighting Time, Holiday & Celebration Guide
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 in India: Everything You Need to Know
Ramzan 2026 is in its final stretch and the most joyous festival in the Islamic calendar is just around the corner. Here is your complete guide to Eid ul-Fitr 2026 — date, moon sighting, holiday, Namaz timings, and celebration traditions.
When Is Eid ul-Fitr 2026 in India?
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated in India on either March 20 or March 21, 2026, subject to the official sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) on the evening of March 19, 2026. Sprinto
Ramzan 2026 began on February 18, 2026. Islamic months are 29 or 30 days long, determined by the lunar calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of March 19 (after sunset), Eid will be celebrated the following morning — March 20, 2026 (Friday). If the moon is not sighted on March 19, Ramzan completes 30 fasts and Eid falls on March 21, 2026 (Saturday).
Who Announces the Official Date?
In India, the Central Moon Sighting Committee — also known as Ruet-e-Hilal Committee — is responsible for the official moon sighting announcement. Local committees in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala also conduct independent sightings. The announcement typically comes between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM IST on the evening of March 19.
Eid ul-Fitr 2026: Public Holiday
Eid ul-Fitr is a gazetted public holiday across India. Central government offices, banks, post offices, and schools will remain closed on the official Eid date. State governments may additionally declare local holidays for the day following Eid.
Eid Namaz Timings 2026 — Major Cities
Eid Namaz (Salat al-Eid) is typically offered between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Eid morning. Specific timings vary by city and will be announced by local mosques and Islamic organisations. Approximate timings for major cities:
City | Expected Eid Namaz Time |
|---|---|
Delhi | 7:30 AM |
Mumbai | 7:45 AM |
Hyderabad | 7:15 AM |
Lucknow | 7:30 AM |
Kolkata | 7:00 AM |
Chennai | 7:20 AM |
Bengaluru | 7:30 AM |
Timings are indicative and subject to local mosque announcements.
Ramzan 2026 Sehri & Iftar — Final Days
For those observing the final fasts of Ramzan, here are approximate Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast) timings for the remaining days in Delhi: Sehri ends around 5:05–5:10 AM and Iftar begins around 6:28–6:30 PM for the March 10–19 window.
Eid Celebrations in India — Traditions to Know
Eid ul-Fitr, also called Meethi Eid or Choti Eid, is marked by:
Eid Namaz at mosques and open grounds after sunrise
Zakat ul-Fitr — obligatory charity given before Eid Namaz
Sevaiyan and Sheer Khurma — the iconic sweet dishes prepared in every Muslim household
Eidhi — elders giving money gifts to younger family members
New clothes — buying and wearing new outfits on Eid morning is a cherished tradition
Family gatherings — visiting relatives, neighbours, and friends with greetings of "Eid Mubarak"
Eid ul-Fitr vs Eid ul-Adha — Quick Difference
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramzan and is celebrated with sweet dishes and community prayers. Eid ul-Adha (Bakrid), celebrated approximately 70 days later, commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice and involves the ritual of Qurbani. Eid ul-Fitr 2026 in India is around June 27–28, 2026.
This article will be updated with the official moon sighting announcement on the evening of March 19, 2026. Bookmark this page for the confirmed Eid date.
