The holy month of Ramadan has reached its final week, and anticipation is building among Muslims in India and Saudi Arabia as they await the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. This year, Ramadan commenced on March 2, 2025, in India, while it began a day earlier, on March 1, in Saudi Arabia. As the fasting period draws to a close, discussions surrounding the exact date of Eid are gaining momentum.
Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal, is expected to be celebrated either on March 31 or April 1, 2025, in India. The determination of Eid's date hinges on the sighting of the moon, a process known as "Chand Dekhna" or "Chandni Ka Elan." This year, if the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of March 30, Eid will be celebrated on March 31 across India. Conversely, if the moon is not visible that evening, Eid will be observed on April 1.
In Saudi Arabia, the public sector holiday will commence on March 22, 2025, as the fasting period begins a day earlier in accordance with the Islamic calendar (1446 Hijri). The private and non-profit sectors will observe holidays starting from March 27, 2025. According to astronomical calculations, the crescent moon of Shawwal is expected to be visible on Saturday, March 29, 2025, suggesting that Eid-ul-Fitr may be celebrated in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 30, 2025. If the moon is not sighted on that date, Eid will be observed on March 31.
The significance of the moon sighting during Ramadan cannot be overstated, as it symbolizes the beginning and end of Islamic lunar months. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and every Hijri month commences with the sighting of the new moon. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, which follows the conclusion of Ramadan.
In India, the date of Eid is also influenced by the moon sighting. Various committees are established in different states to observe the moon and declare its visibility based on scientific and religious grounds. However, some communities also choose to follow the moon sighting announcements made in Saudi Arabia, which can lead to variations in the Eid celebration dates across different regions.
This year, the excitement surrounding Eid is palpable. Markets are bustling with preparations, and households are gearing up for the festivities. On Eid, families traditionally don new clothes and prepare special dishes, including vermicelli and sweets. The festival is not only a time for celebration but also a moment for gratitude, charity, and community bonding.
As the last week of Ramadan unfolds, Muslims are eagerly looking to the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the crescent moon that will signal the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr. With Ramadan coming to an end, the preparations for this joyous occasion are in full swing, and the spirit of togetherness and celebration is felt throughout the community.
In summary, the date of Eid-ul-Fitr will be confirmed based on the moon sighting, with the possibility of celebration on March 31 or April 1 in India, depending on the visibility of the crescent moon. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, Eid may be celebrated a day earlier, on March 30, contingent upon the moon's appearance. This year’s observance of Eid promises to be a significant occasion for Muslims around the world, symbolizing the end of a month of fasting and reflection.
