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Eid ul Fitr 2026 date in India
In 2026, Eid al-Fitr will likely fall on Friday, 20 March, subject to the sighting of the moon. In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr is observed on the 1st and 2nd day of Shawwal.
Please note that dates may vary and are subject to change based on the moon’s sighting.
Determining the date of the Eid ul Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (a day after the new moon). As such, the process of determining the date of the Eid ul Fitr can only be performed under the cover of night. Should the crescent moon not be spotted, Ramadan continues for another day.
Eid ul Fitr is typically a public holiday in India, with most schools and businesses closed for the occasion. The exact dates of the Eid ul Fitr holidays in India will be updated in this article once official information is available.
Eid ul Fitr celebrations in India
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The Eid ul Fitr celebrations in India share some similarities with those of the rest of the world, albeit with minor differences. While the religious rituals remain the same, the food and treats are uniquely Indian. The following is how Eid ul Fitr is typically celebrated by Indian Muslims.
Chaand Raat
On the night just before Eid ul Fitr, Muslims celebrate what’s known as the Night of the Moon or Chaand Raat. Traditionally, it is a night when Muslim families visit the markets, shopping malls and bazaars for all their Eid ul Fitr needs. New clothes, traditional snacks and other festive-related items are acquired on the night.
Zakat al-Fitr
As mandated by their faith, the Zakat al Fitr (obligatory donation) must be completed prior to the morning Eid prayer. Those with the financial means of doing so must donate either money or items such as rice, barley, dates and other similar provisions. This mandatory donation must be distributed to the poor prior to the celebrations to ensure that all souls are able to enjoy a joyous holiday.
Eid prayer and gatherings
Next comes the morning Eid prayer. Muslims congregate either in large mosques or any outdoor locations deemed fit to serve as praying venues. The Eid prayer focuses on gratitude to the almighty for having granted the will and resolves to the believers to successfully complete the arduous Ramadan fast.
Following the Eid prayer, families greet their neighbors and friends to give or exchange gifts and congratulate one another on completing Ramadan. Indians typically visit the graves of families and loved ones and offer their prayers for their well-being in the hereafter.
Festive food
Scores of traditional foods and snacks are being served on decorated tables. Such delicacies usually include the following:
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- Sheer khurma, a sumptuous Eid staple in the form of a sweet milk pudding with vermicelli topped with chunky nuts and raisins.
- Biryani is a fragrant rice dish layered with succulent pieces of your meat of choice.
- Sheermal is a sweet and chewy flatbread made with ghee, sugar and saffron-enhanced milk.
