India, Pakistan and Bangladesh among others confirm first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026
Shawaal moon not sighted in these countries with major Muslim populations
DUBAI – Muslims in several countries across South and Southeast Asia will celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026 on Saturday, March 21, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The date has been confirmed in many nations through moon-sighting observations and astronomical calculations for the beginning of Shawwal.
Communities will gather for morning congregational prayers, family visits, festive meals, and charitable acts, while mosques, community centres, and public spaces host cultural programmes and leisure activities for residents and visitors.
India
India has officially confirmed Saturday, March 21, as Eid Al Fitr. Regional moon-sighting committees reviewed local observations of the Shawwal crescent to declare the date. Communities across urban and rural areas will celebrate with morning congregational prayers, family gatherings, community feasts, and charitable contributions. Traditional dishes such as Sheer Khurma, sweet vermicelli pudding, and regional delicacies will be widely prepared. Public spaces, mosques, and Islamic centres will host festivals, cultural programmes, and leisure events for families and children.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has confirmed Eid on Saturday, March 21, following official moon-sighting announcements. Across the country, Muslims will participate in morning prayers, family visits, festive meals, and charitable donations. Mosques and community centres will organise special programmes for children, elderly worshippers, and community gatherings, while parks and public venues host Eid fairs, recreational events, and cultural performances. Traditional Bengali festive dishes will feature prominently in households and community celebrations.
Malaysia
Malaysia has declared Saturday, March 21, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026. Islamic authorities confirmed the date based on local moon-sighting procedures. Across the country, mosques and suraus will host morning congregational prayers, and families will celebrate with traditional Malay festive meals and sweets. Communities will participate in charitable giving, visiting relatives, and cultural programmes, while urban centres including Kuala Lumpur and Penang will host family-friendly events and public festivities.
Indonesia
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, has also confirmed Eid on Saturday, March 21. The government and local Islamic councils declared the date after moon-sighting and astronomical calculations. Muslims across Indonesia will celebrate with mass congregational prayers at mosques and open grounds, family gatherings, and festive meals. Cultural programmes highlighting traditional music, dance, and culinary heritage will be widely organised. Zakat Al Fitr and charitable contributions will also ensure inclusive participation for underprivileged communities.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has confirmed Eid on Saturday, March 21, following local religious authority announcements. Communities will attend morning prayers at mosques, participate in family gatherings, and share festive meals. Charity and Zakat Al Fitr will be observed, while mosques and public spaces organise cultural and recreational activities for families and children. Local traditions and culinary specialties will enrich the celebrations across the country.
Pakistan
Pakistan will observe Eidul Fitr on Friday after the Shawwal moon was not sighted across the country, Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad announced following a meeting in Islamabad. The decision confirms that Ramadan will complete 30 days in the South Asian country.
Singapore
Singapore is also likely to celebrate Eid on Saturday, March 21, following moon-sighting announcements and astronomical calculations. Muslims in the city-state will participate in morning prayers, family gatherings, festive meals, and community programmes, reflecting the multicultural and diverse nature of Singapore’s Muslim population. Mosques and public venues will host cultural events, entertainment programmes, and leisure activities for all ages.