Lucknow

The festival of Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated across India on March 21 after the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal was not sighted on Thursday.

Lucknow Eidgah Imam Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali confirmed that the moon was not visible, meaning the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days.

“The month of Shawwal has not been sighted today. The 30th Roza will be observed tomorrow, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 21,” he said.

He added that the Eid namaz will be offered at 10 am at the Lucknow Eidgah, followed by special prayers for world peace.

The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted, citing overcast weather conditions in Kashmir and the absence of reliable testimonies from across the country.

“Due to cloudy conditions, the crescent moon was not visible. Therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Saturday, March 21,” the association said.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered one of the holiest periods for Muslims, marking the revelation of the Quran. The festival of Eid marks the end of fasting, with families gathering for prayers, meals, and charitable giving.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi extended greetings to leaders of several countries, including Kuwait, Oman, and Malaysia, while expressing hope for peace in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

However, the current geopolitical situation has also influenced observances in parts of India. Sections of the Shia community in Rajasthan have announced that they will not celebrate Eid this year as a mark of mourning following developments in Iran.

Imam Syed Nazish Akbar Kazmi of Shia Jama Masjid in Jaipur said that community members will offer prayers but avoid festivities such as wearing new clothes or exchanging greetings.

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Globally, Eid may be observed on March 20 in some regions depending on local moon sightings.