Riyadh : Muslims around the world are preparing for Eid Al-Fitr 2026, the festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The exact date of the celebration depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
According to astronomical estimates, many Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are likely to sight the crescent moon on March 19, 2026, in the evening.
If the moon is confirmed, Eid Al-Fitr 2026 will be celebrated on March 20 in these countries.
In South Asian nations such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the moon is expected to be visible a day later on March 20.
As a result, Eid Al-Fitr 2026 celebrations in these regions are most likely to take place on March 21, although the final date will depend on official moon sighting announcements.
Meanwhile, Iran is also expected to observe the crescent moon on the evening of March 20, which could place Eid Al-Fitr 2026 on March 21.
Here are the complete list of Eid Al-Fitr 2026 date and time in all this countries.
| Country | Crescent Moon Expected | Local Time (Evening) | Eid Date (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | March 19, 2026 | 6:25 PM | March 20 |
| UAE | March 19, 2026 | 6:20 PM | March 20 |
| Qatar | March 19, 2026 | 6:15 PM | March 20 |
| Bahrain | March 19, 2026 | 6:30 PM | March 20 |
| Oman | March 19, 2026 | 6:05 PM | March 20 |
| Kuwait | March 19, 2026 | 6:10 PM | March 20 |
| Egypt | March 19, 2026 | 6:45 PM | March 20 |
| Turkey | March 19, 2026 | 6:50 PM | March 20 |
| India | March 20, 2026 | 6:45 PM IST | March 21 |
| Pakistan | March 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM PKT | March 21 |
| Bangladesh | March 20, 2026 | 6:50 PM BST | March 21 |
| Iran | March 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM IRST | March 21 |
| Afghanistan | March 20, 2026 | 6:40 PM AFT | March 21 |
| Malaysia | March 20, 2026 | 7:10 PM MYT | March 21 |
| Indonesia | March 20, 2026 | 7:15 PM WIB | March 21 |
| Maldives | March 20, 2026 | 7:05 PM MVT | March 21 |
| Sri Lanka | March 20, 2026 | 6:50 PM SLST | March 21 |
Eid Al-Fitr 2026, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather for special prayers, share meals with family and friends, and give charity known as Zakat al-Fitr to support those in need.
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In South Asia, the festival is also popularly known as “Meethi Eid” because of traditional sweets such as seviyan that are prepared and shared during the celebrations.
The evening when the crescent moon is sighted is known as Chand Raat, a time when markets remain busy as families prepare for the festival by buying clothes, sweets, and gifts.
Religious authorities in each country will officially confirm the Eid Al-Fitr 2026 date once the crescent moon is sighted, determining whether the celebrations begin on March 20 or March 21 in 2026.
