Eid 2026 Moonsighting Date: When will Shawwal crescent moon be visible in Saudi Arabia and India

As the month of Ramadan 2026 approaches its final days, Saudi Arabia has officially asked Muslims across the kingdom to watch the sky on Wednesday evening for the Shawwal crescent moon. The sighting of this moon will decide when Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations begin. If the crescent is seen on March 18, Eid will likely be observed in Saudi Arabia on March 19. If not, the fasting month will complete 30 days and the festival will shift to March 20.

Saudi Arabia calls for Shawwal crescent sighting

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged people across the kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The date corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.

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Authorities have also asked anyone who spots the moon to report the sighting to the nearest court. People can confirm the crescent with the naked eye or by using binoculars.

“The Supreme Court has called upon Muslims to look for the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, 29 Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to 18 March 2026.

The outcome of the moon sighting will determine the date of Eid al-Fitr.”

This practice of physically observing the crescent remains an important tradition in the Islamic calendar, which follows lunar cycles rather than fixed solar dates.

Will Eid-ul-Fitr fall on March 20 or March 21?

The date of Eid-ul-Fitr varies across regions because the festival depends entirely on when the crescent moon becomes visible.

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In many Gulf countries, Eid is expected to fall around March 20, 2026. In South Asian nations such as India and Pakistan, the festival often takes place a day later because the moon may appear later in the sky.

The final date is confirmed only after verified moon-sighting reports.

When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in India?

In India, the Shawwal crescent is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 20, around 6:45 PM IST. If that happens, Muslims across the country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21, 2026.

However, slight differences can occur between regions depending on local visibility conditions and weather.

What is Chand Raat?

The evening when the crescent moon becomes visible is popularly known as Chand Raat, or the “night of the moon”.

On this night, markets remain busy until late. Families shop for clothes, sweets and gifts, while many women apply henna on their hands as part of the festive preparation for Eid.

Why Eid-ul-Fitr is called Meethi Eid

In several South Asian countries, Eid-ul-Fitr is widely known as Meethi Eid, meaning the “sweet festival”.

The name comes from the variety of desserts prepared on the day, especially seviyan, a vermicelli pudding cooked with milk and dry fruits. Families share these sweets with relatives, neighbours and friends, turning the day into a celebration of gratitude and togetherness.

Moon sighting will decide the final Eid date

The Shawwal crescent officially marks the beginning of the new Islamic month and the end of Ramadan fasting. If the moon becomes visible on March 18, Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia may begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026. If the crescent is not seen, Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid will be observed on Friday, March 20.

Astronomical predictions indicate that the moon might be difficult to spot on the evening of March 18. However, the final announcement will come only after moon-sighting committees in Saudi Arabia verify reports from observers.

Saudi Arabia’s decision often influences the Eid date in many Gulf nations such as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. Meanwhile, countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh usually rely on local sightings, which is why Eid there often arrives a day later.