Millions of Muslims across Southeast Asia are looking to the skies today, March 19, which marks 29th of Ramadan or Chand Raat, as religious authorities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore prepare to determine the official start of Eid 2026, also known as Eid al-Fitr and Idul Fitri. The sighting of the Shawwal (Syawal) crescent moon (Hilal) will decide whether the festival begins tomorrow, March 20, or if Ramadan will continue for a 30th day, pushing Eid to March 21. Catch live news updates on the Eid 2026 moon sighting announcements in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.
While several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have already confirmed Friday, March 20 as the first day of Eid after the Shawwal 1447 moon was not sighted on Wednesday (March 18), Southeast Asian countries typically follow their own local observations. Sidang Isbat Idul Fitri 2026 Live Streaming: Indonesia Makes Syawal 1446 Moon Sighting Announcement.
Sidang Isbat Idul Fitri 2026 Session in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has deployed observers to dozens of points across the archipelago, from Aceh to Papua. The "Isbat" (confirmation) meeting is scheduled for this evening in Jakarta, where data from these regional sightings will be combined with astronomical calculations.
Sidang Isbat Idul Fitri 2026 Live Streaming: Watch Syawal 1447 Moon Sighting in Indonesia
Sidang Isbat Live Streaming: Watch Idul Fitri 2026 Date Announcement in Indonesia
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting in Malaysia, Philippines
Malaysia and the Philippines are conducting similar observations at designated highland and coastal locations. In Malaysia, the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal is expected to announce the date on national television shortly after sunset. If the moon is spotted this evening, Eid 2026 will be on March 20. If not, celebrations will move to Saturday, March 21.
In Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has already indicated that Saturday, March 21 will likely be the first day of Eid for the city-state, citing the impossibility of a confirmed sighting on Thursday evening based on their criteria. Eid al-Fitr 2026 Wishes, Eid Mubarak Greetings, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share on Chand Raat.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning each month begins with the first sighting of the thin crescent moon. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The night before the festival, known as Chand Raat in some cultures, is a time of intense preparation. In Southeast Asia, this often involves the "balik kampung" or "mudik" tradition, where millions of people travel from urban centers to their ancestral hometowns to celebrate with family.













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