Eid 2026 Moon Sighting in India Final Update: Shawwal Chand Not Sighted Anywhere, Eid Ul Fitr on March 21

Millions of Muslims across India are awaiting the official sighting of the Shawwal 1447 crescent moon this evening, March 19, which will signal the end of the holy month of Ramadan (Ramzan) and the beginning of Eid Ul Fitr 2026. If the moon is sighted this evening, which marks 29th Ramzan and is called Chand Raat, Eid 2026 will be celebrated on March 20. In case the moon remains invisible, Indian Muslims will celebrate Eid on March 21 after Ramzan completes 30 days. LatestLY provides instant live news updates on the Eid 2026 moon sighting announcement in India.

Ruet-e-Hilal Committees across various cities and states are beginning their sessions for the Eid 2026 moon sighting. These committees rely on a traditional combination of physical sightings and astronomical data to confirm the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. A final announcement is expected shortly after the Maghrib prayers. Eid al-Fitr 2026 Wishes, Eid Mubarak Greetings, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share on Chand Raat.

Why Eid Moon Sighting Matters

In the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, the transition between months is determined by the lunar cycle, specifically the sighting of the hilal (the thin crescent moon). A month lasts either 29 or 30 days; on the evening of the 29th day, observers look toward the western horizon just after sunset to locate the new crescent.

If the moon is sighted and verified, the current month ends, and the new month begins at that sunset. However, if the moon is not visible due to weather conditions or its astronomical position, the current month is completed as 30 days, and the new month begins automatically after the following sunset. Chand Raat Mubarak 2026 Wishes, Eid Greetings, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share.

When Is Eid Ul Fitr 2026 in India?

Today, March 19, marks 29th of Ramzan in India. If the moon is sighted this evening, Ramzan shall conclude and Shawwal will commence. Accordingly, Eid or Eid Ul Fitr will be celebrated on March 20, the first day of Shawwal. If the moon remains unsighted, Ramzan shall complete 30 days on March 20. In this case, Muslims will observe Eid Ul Fitr on March 21.

Markets in major hubs like Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road are witnessing a massive surge in footfall as families complete their last-minute shopping for clothes and sweets. Local authorities have increased security deployments around major Eidgahs and mosques to manage the expected crowds for the morning prayers once the date is officially confirmed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2026 05:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).