As the holy month of Ramadan enters its final week, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous festival marking the completion of a month-long fast from dawn to dusk. Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Since Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, the exact date of Eid varies across different regions, depending on moon sightings in respective locations.
In 2025, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be observed on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, subject to moon sighting reports in various countries. This variation in dates is a common occurrence, as different geographical locations witness the crescent moon at different times.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 in India
In India, Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on March 30 (Sunday) or March 31 (Monday), depending on the moon sighting. The central government’s official holiday calendar has designated Monday, March 31, 2025, as a gazetted holiday for Eid celebrations. However, Islamic scholars and moon-sighting committees will officially confirm the date based on local observations. Muslims across India, from bustling cities to remote villages, will gather for special Eid prayers at mosques and open grounds, followed by festive meals, charitable donations (Zakat al-Fitr), and joyous gatherings with family and friends.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 in the UAE
The Emirates Astronomy Society has predicted that Ramadan 2025 will last a full 30 days, with the final day being Sunday, March 30. As a result, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be observed on Monday, March 31, 2025.
The UAE government has announced a three-day public holiday from Shawwal 1 to 3 for both public and private sector employees. If Ramadan completes 30 days, an additional day off may be granted. As one of the key Islamic celebrations, Eid in the UAE will see grand prayers held in mosques and Eidgahs (open prayer grounds), with people exchanging greetings, visiting loved ones, and enjoying traditional Emirati delicacies such as luqaimat (sweet dumplings) and balaleet (sweetened vermicelli with eggs).
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah, will observe Eid-ul-Fitr based on the sighting of the crescent moon. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to watch for the crescent moon on the evening of Saturday, March 29. Anyone who sights the moon is encouraged to report to their nearest court and provide testimony to confirm the date of Eid.
If the moon is sighted on March 29, Eid will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30. However, if the moon remains unseen, Ramadan will extend to a 30-day fast, and Eid will be observed on Monday, March 31.
The Saudi government has declared official Eid holidays, allowing citizens and expatriates to enjoy time with their families. Traditional customs, such as attending mass prayers, distributing alms to the less fortunate, and hosting large feasts, will be observed nationwide.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 in the UK and US
Muslims in the United Kingdom and the United States rely on local moon-sighting committees or global announcements from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic institutions to determine the official date for Eid. In both countries, the festival will most likely fall on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31.
Mosques and Islamic centers in cities such as London, New York, and Los Angeles will organize special Eid prayers, followed by communal gatherings, charity drives, and festive meals. Many Muslims take the day off to celebrate with their families, while some workplaces and schools accommodate flexible schedules for those observing the festival.
Eid Celebrations and Traditions
Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of immense joy, gratitude, and generosity. The day typically begins with Muslims performing the Eid prayer, followed by an inspiring sermon emphasizing unity, gratitude, and the importance of charity. It is customary for individuals to dress in their finest clothes, visit relatives and friends, and share festive meals. The giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation to support those in need, is an essential aspect of Eid celebrations.
From India to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Western nations, Muslims worldwide embrace the spirit of Eid with heartfelt greetings of Eid Mubarak, strengthening communal bonds and spreading happiness after a month of spiritual devotion and fasting.
With the moon sighting yet to be confirmed, the exact date of Eid 2025 will soon be announced by religious authorities in each region. Regardless of when it is celebrated, Eid-ul-Fitr remains one of the most cherished and significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, bringing people together in the spirit of joy, unity, and gratitude.
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