Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 date: Moon sighted in Kerala, Friday Eid confirmed; suspense continues for rest of India

Eid will be celebrated across Kerala on Friday after the Shawwal crescent moon was sighted on Thursday night, marking the end of Ramadan. Religious authorities in the state confirmed the sighting, paving the way for Eid prayers to be held on Friday morning.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In his message, he said the festival, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, reflects values of discipline and compassion that enrich society. “May it strengthen the spirit of unity, peace and collective progress. Wishing all a Happy Eid,” he said.

Beyond Kerala, several countries have also confirmed Friday as the first day of Eid. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court announced that since the moon was not sighted on Wednesday, Thursday would be observed as the final day of fasting, with Eid prayers scheduled early on Friday morning, shortly after sunrise.


A wave of confirmations has come in from across the Gulf region, with Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE declaring March 20 as Eid. In Bahrain, authorities have announced an extended holiday, ensuring residents get additional time off as the festival coincides with the weekend.

Other countries joining in Friday celebrations include Turkey, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the Middle East; the Maldives and Australia in the Asia-Pacific region; and several African nations such as Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Nigeria, Somalia, Djibouti and Senegal.

In India, the date of Eid depends on the moon sighting. If the crescent is visible on Thursday night, Eid will be celebrated on Friday, March 20. Otherwise, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will fall on Saturday, March 21.

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The festival symbolises gratitude, generosity and togetherness, and is celebrated with prayers, charity and festive meals.

The term “Eid al-Fitr” translates to the “festival of breaking the fast.” As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the dates of Ramadan and Eid shift each year across seasons.

Common greetings for the occasion include “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Eid,” expressing goodwill and blessings among family, friends and communities.

In many parts of the world, Eid is also associated with unique traditions. In Indonesia, for instance, millions travel back to their hometowns in a mass homecoming known as “mudik” to celebrate with loved ones. Markets ahead of the festival are often bustling with shoppers buying new clothes, sweets and gifts, adding to the festive spirit.