Eid ul-Fitr 2025: Crescent moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eid on Sunday; India likely to celebrate on Monday, March 31

Eid ul-Fitr 2025: Saudi Arabia would be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday, March 30, after the crescent was sighted on Saturday evening.

Typicall, India celebrates Eid a day after Saudi Arabia. Hence, Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Monday, March 31 in India.

Eid ul-Fitr, also called the “festival of breaking the fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, during which devotees fast from dawn to dusk. It's time to find out the exact date of Eid ul-Fitr's global celebration.

When is Eid ul-Fitr 2025?

One of the holiest months in Islam, known as Ramadan, commenced in India on Sunday, March 2, this year, following the sighting of the crescent moon on March 1. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the holy month commenced a day earlier on March 1.

Eid-ul-Fitr moon sighting in India

The date of Eid-ul-Fitr depends on when the moon is sighted in India.

If the crescent is sighted on March 30, Muslims across India will mark the conclusion of Ramadan and celebrate Eid on Monday, March 31, 2025. Since the Hijri, or Islamic lunar calendar is followed as per custom, the official confirmation about Eid-ul-Fitr will only come after the crescent moon is sighted. In case moon is not sighted on March 30, then the festival will be celebrated on April 1.

Typically, India celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr a day after Saudi Arabia. The crescent of Eid is usually first sighted in Saudi Arabia and some parts of India, along with some Western countries.

When is Eid-ul-Fitr in US, UK, UAE, and other countries?

The US, UK, France, and Germany follow local moon sighting announcements from Saudi Arabia. With the moon already being sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eid is likely to be celebrated in US, UK, France and Germany on Sunday, March 30.

Eid ul-Fitr date in India and other neighbouring countries

Other neighbouring countries, like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, follow dates similar to India's, in which Ramadan begins a day later than in the Middle East and Western countries. Henceforth, the moon sighting in India is expected on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan, 1446 AH. Hence, the Eid ul-Fitr date is predicted to be March 31 in India.

Eid-ul-Fitr preparations begin across the globe

With the holy month of Ramadan nearing its end, Muslims in India, and beyond are gearing up for Eid-ul-Fitr festivities.

Alvida Jumma prayers today

Muslims worldwide took part in special congregational prayers at mosques on the occasion of Alvida Jumma. Friday afternoon prayer is considered special and is called Jumma Namaz. The prayers assume more significance during this month of fasting and so does the Friday prayer that falls in the last week of Ramadan.

Jumma prayer at Jama Masjid in the national capital – Delhi, took place around 1:30 PM following a sermon at 1:00 PM. Although the timing of Friday prayers varies from city to city, some mosques keep two congregations to allow larger gatherings to offer congregational prayers. Hence, the month-long fasting culminates into Eid festivities, which will be celebrated with vigour and enthusiasm across the world, depending on the moon sighting.

Pakistan, Iran, Oman confirm Eid-ul-Fitr dates

Till date, Pakistan, Iran, Oman have declared the Eid-ul-Fitr dates, stating that Eid would be observed on March 31, Monday.

Earlier, Malaysia, Australia and Brunei had also confirmed that Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on March 31. The countries made the announcements via a post on their respective X handles.

Crescent sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eid on Sunday

The crescent has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking an end to the 29-day-long Ramadan in the nation. The Arab country will celebrate Eid on Sunday, March 30.