Eid ul-Fitr, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, will be celebrated this week, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims around the world engage in prayers and gatherings.
In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan (or Ramzan) is a sacred month during which Muslims observe a month-long fast. As an act of devotion and self-discipline, they refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk.
Each day, after the Maghrib prayer, Muslims gather to break their fast, a meal known as Iftar. The word ‘Eid' translates to “festival of breaking the fast”, marking both the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
When Is Eid-ul-Fitr 2025?
While the Indian government has announced a public holiday for Mar. 31, Monday, to mark the Eid festival, the exact day of celebration will depend on the sighting of the Moon.
Friday, March 28 was the last day of Ramadan, also known as Jumat-ul-Vida. Subsequently, Eid could be observed on either Mar. 31 or Apr. 1, based on Moon's sighting. This is because the Islamic calendar operates based on the lunar cycle. Hence, all important days in Islam shift about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. Last year, Eid was celebrated on Apr. 11.
Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the new moon, which marks an end to the holy month of Ramadan and the start of the next Islamic month — Shawwal. Eid-al-Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal. Accordingly, the festival will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia and the adjoining Middle East region on Sunday, an official statement noted.
Accordingly, Eid-al-Fitr will be observed in the UAE on Sunday. However, with the sighting of the crescent in the Middle East on Saturday, it is unlikely that the new moon will not be visible in the Indian subcontinent region on Sunday.
Hence, the likely date of Eid in India is Monday, March 31.
Why Is Eid Celebrated After Moon's Sighting?
As per the Islamic calendar, each day begins after the Maghrib prayer (just after sunset). Eid begins after the moon is sighted, marking the end of Ramadan. Therefore, the last day of fasting ends at Maghrib, and Eid celebrations begin once the moon is sighted that evening.
On Eid, Muslims gather for prayers, express gratitude to Allah, and celebrate with family and friends. It is a time of joy, charity, and unity. Traditions include visiting loved ones, sharing festive meals, and wearing new clothes to mark the occasion.
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