India to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday as Shawwal moon not sighted

NEW DELHI: India will observe Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday, Indian media reported.

Local moon-sighting committees from several regions confirmed that the crescent was not visible on the 29th day of Ramadan, a key factor in determining the start of Shawwal and Eid celebrations.

The announcement follows similar decisions in Gulf countries, where Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain will celebrate Eid on Friday after their own moon-sighting reports.

Officials said different regions in India may finalize the date based on local observations later on Thursday, with Eid prayers and festivities to begin on the first day of Shawwal once confirmed.