Eid ul Fitr 2026 Chaand Raat Time In Saudi Arabia LIVE: Here's When Moon Sighting Will Take Place In Gulf

Eid ul Fitr 2026 Chaand Raat Time In Saudi Arabia: The Shawwal crescent was not seen in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening, so authorities there confirmed that Eid ul Fitr 2026 will be marked on Friday, March 20, after a full 30 days of Ramadan. Several Gulf nations matched this decision, while India is still waiting for local moon sighting confirmation.

Across the region, religious bodies reported negative moon sighting results for Shawwal 1447 AH on the same evening. This synchronised outcome means that many countries will observe Eid ul Fitr on March 20. In India, however, the final festival date depends on whether the moon is visible on Thursday, March 19.

Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date And Time across Gulf countries

Saudi Arabia's announcement set the tone for neighbouring states, which usually follow similar moon sighting protocols. The UAE, Turkey, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon all confirmed that the crescent was not visible on Wednesday, and therefore declared that Eid ul Fitr 2026 will fall on Friday, March 20, in line with Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain stated that the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on Wednesday evening and confirmed Eid-ul-Fitr for Friday, March 20. Officials there noted that this outcome also completed 30 days of fasting, mirroring Saudi Arabia's calendar. Bahrain's decision keeps the country aligned with several states in the wider Gulf region. To note, the official moon sighting for Eid will take place on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026, shortly after sunset, which is around 6:00 PM local time

Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date And Time in India and key cities

In India, Ramadan began on February 18, making Thursday, March 19, the 29th day of fasting. The crescent's appearance on Thursday evening will decide the local Eid date. If the moon is seen, Muslims in India will celebrate Eid ul Fitr 2026 on Friday, March 20; otherwise, the festival will move to Saturday, March 21.

Authorities and religious committees across Indian cities plan organised sky observations on March 19. Once reports from different regions are compiled, the official Eid date will be declared. Meanwhile, preparations continue with markets, mosques and households readying for prayers, community meals and charity, regardless of whether Eid falls on March 20 or March 21.

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