Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated in India on March 21 as moon not sighted

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across India on Saturday, March 21, as the crescent moon marking the end of the holy month of Ramzan was not sighted on Thursday evening.

Religious authorities confirmed the development after consultations across multiple regions. Fatehpuri Masjid Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad told PTI that the mosque’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee reached out to various locations but received no confirmation of moon sighting.

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Eid will be celebrated in the country on March 21, Saturday, he said.

Describing the festival as a symbol of unity and harmony, Ahmad said, "On this occasion, we pray that brotherhood and harmony in the country continues to prosper and is strengthened with love."

Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari also confirmed to PTI that the moon was not sighted, announcing that Eid would be observed on Saturday. He added that Friday would mark the final day of Ramzan, completing 30 days of fasting.

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Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of Ramzan, is observed based on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. The festival is celebrated on different days across countries depending on local moon sightings.

This year, Ramzan in India spans 30 days, compared to 29 days last year. As per the Islamic lunar calendar, months consist of either 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the moon.

During Ramzan, Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and drink as part of religious practice.

With inputs from PTI