Eid-ul-Fitr or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’ is celebrated by Muslims all over the world with great vigor and enthusiasm. Also referred to as Meethi Eid, this Eid is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramzan, marking the completion of Roza. It is observed during prayers, holidays and celebrations.
When will schools be closed for Eid-ul-Fitr in India?
Eid-ul-Fitr is a public holiday and therefore schools, colleges and offices will remain closed for the festival. However, the exact date of Eid festival has not been fixed yet.
Most schools and colleges in India are expected to remain closed on Saturday, March 21, due to Eid-ul-Fitr. However, in some regions or school calendars, the holiday is marked on Friday or Saturday, March 20 or March 21.
This is because the exact date of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon.
Read also | Festivals This Week (India): Eid-ul-Fitr, Chaitra Navratri & Gudi Padwa – Dates,
Why may the holiday of Eid change?
Eid-ul-Fitr follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which relies heavily on the sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, the exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr will be confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan.
Schools will also complete the Eid holiday closer to the festival. Parents are advised to check the school timetable during the holidays.
Next school holidays in March
Ram Navami – March 26
Mahavir Jayanti – 31st March
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: Moon sighting date in India
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, usually lasts 29 to 30 days, and the celebrations culminate in Eid festivities. This year, the Eid celebrations will correspond to 1 Shawwal 1447 according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
The date of Eid ul-Fitr celebration varies from region to region as it depends on the sighting of the moon. Shawwal crescent moon is expected to be sighted in India on March 20 at 18:45 IST.
Read also | Eid-ul-Fitr Date 2026: When Will India, Saudi Arabia, UAE Celebrate Eid?
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: Chand Raat
It is celebrated as “chand raat” on the day when the crescent moon of Shawwal is visible. This day marks the end of Ramadan and is followed by Eid celebrations.
It is very likely that Eid will be celebrated on March 21 this year, but the exact date of the festival will only be determined by the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
There is still a possibility that Eid will fall on Friday, March 20 after the sighting of the moon.
Expected date of Eid: Friday 20 March or Saturday 21 March 2026 (depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent)
How to confirm Eid final date?
India usually celebrates Eid a day after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
According to the UAE International Astronomical Centre, the crescent moon marking the last day of Ramadan will be sighted in the Gulf countries on March 19. Thus, West Asia can celebrate Eid on March 20.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia
Most of the Gulf countries celebrate the festival a day before the celebrations of India and other West Asian nations.
In Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries, festival celebrations are likely to take place on Friday, March 20.
Read also | 2026 Eid-ul-Fitr Moon Sighting: Shawwal Crescent Update, India Timing
Key rituals of Eid
Devotees begin their day by saying morning prayers (Salat al-Eid).
On this day they offer Zakat al-Fitr (charity) to the needy, wear new clothes, feast with family, share sweets, visit loved ones and exchange gifts and Eidi (money) and health.
