As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, a rare “calendar split” has emerged across the Indian subcontinent. On Friday, March 20, 2026, the state of Kerala began its Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, while the rest of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are observing their 30th and final day of fasting.
The divergence is a result of the traditional moon-sighting process, where geographical location and local weather conditions dictate the start of the new Islamic month, Shawwal.
1. The Sighting in Kerala
In Kerala, religious authorities and local hilal (moon-sighting) committees confirmed that the crescent moon was spotted on Thursday evening, particularly in coastal regions.
- Official Announcement: Clerics in Kerala declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal.
- Global Alignment: Kerala’s celebration today aligns with major Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which are also marking Eid on Friday after completing 30 days of Ramadan.
2. Rest of India: Saturday, March 21
In contrast, major moon-sighting committees in North, West, and East India reported no confirmed sightings on Thursday evening.
- Jama Masjid Declaration: Syed Shaban Bukhari, Deputy Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, announced that since the moon was not visible in the capital or surrounding regions, Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21.
- Lucknow & Hyderabad: Similar announcements were made by Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali in Lucknow and committees in Hyderabad, confirming a 30-day Ramadan for most of the country.
3. Regional Neighbors (Pakistan & Bangladesh)
The Saturday celebration is not limited to India.
- Pakistan: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, led by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, met in Islamabad and confirmed that cloudy skies across much of the country prevented a sighting. Pakistan will officially celebrate Eid on Saturday.
- Bangladesh: Religious authorities in Dhaka have also confirmed a Saturday celebration, keeping the majority of South Asia on the same festive schedule.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: Regional Celebration Dates
| Region/Country | Eid Date | Status |
| Kerala (India) | Friday, March 20 | Celebrating Today |
| Saudi Arabia / UAE | Friday, March 20 | Celebrating Today |
| Rest of India | Saturday, March 21 | Final Fast Today (Friday) |
| Pakistan | Saturday, March 21 | Final Fast Today (Friday) |
| Bangladesh | Saturday, March 21 | Final Fast Today (Friday) |
The Spirit of “Meethi Eid”
Despite the staggered dates, the preparations for “Meethi Eid” (Sweet Eid) are in full swing.
- Chand Raat: Most of India will experience its peak “Chand Raat” energy tonight, Friday, as markets in areas like Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road prepare for a massive influx of last-minute shoppers.
- Traditions: The day will be marked by congregational prayers, the giving of Zakat al-Fitr (charity), and the sharing of traditional sweets like Sheer Khurma and Seviyan.