Millions of Muslims across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East are shifting their gaze to the evening sky today as moon-sighting committees convene to determine the start of Eid Ul Fitr 2026. While several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have already confirmed they will celebrate Eid 2026 March 20, countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Oman are observing the 29th day of Ramadan (Chand Raat) today, March 19. A confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent this evening would result in Eid celebrations beginning tomorrow; otherwise, Ramadan will complete 30 days, pushing the festival to Saturday, March 21. LatestLY is bringing live news updates on the Eid 2026 moon sighting announcements.
In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is meeting in Islamabad, with zonal committees holding simultaneous sessions in provincial capitals. Similarly, the National Moon Sighting Committee in Bangladesh is scheduled to meet at the Islamic Foundation after Maghrib prayers. Eid 2026 Moon Sighting in India Live News Updates.
Oman, which often observes the moon independently of its neighbors, is also conducting its official search today. Other nations looking for the crescent this evening include:
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
- Central Asia and Caucasus: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan.
- Other Regions: Iran, Turkey, Japan, China, and South Africa.
While Turkey often relies on astronomical calculations and has already earmarked March 20 for celebrations, many other countries in this list strictly adhere to the physical sighting of the moon (Ruet).
Split Eid Moon Sighting in UK, US, Canada
Muslim communities in Western nations and the Southern Hemisphere are following a split Eid 2026 moon sighting schedule. In the US, UK, Canada and France, certain communities observed the moon sighting on March 18 and announced Eid 2026 date accordingly. However, some communities are holding the moon sighting sessions today to decide the Eid commecement. In Autsralia and New Zealand, some will look for the Shawwal moon today, which others begin their search on March 20. Eid al-Fitr 2026 Wishes, Eid Mubarak Greetings, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share on Chand Raat.
Once the moon is confirmed, "Chand Raat" (Night of the Moon) festivities will begin, marked by late-night shopping and the preparation of traditional sweets like Sheer Khurma. The following morning, worshippers will gather in large open fields (Eidgahs) or mosques for the special Eid prayer, marking the formal end of the month-long fast of Ramadan.













Quickly


