Lunar months are either 29 or 30 days long, so Muslims typically have to wait until the night before Eid to confirm its date. For countries that started Ramadan on March 24, local moon sighters will scan the horizon after sunset on Friday, April 21, to search for the crescent moon.
If the new moon is visible (called Chaand Raat), then Eid will be celebrated the following day. Otherwise, Muslims will fast for one more day to complete the 30-day month. The announcement of the Eid is made via television, radio stations and mosques once the sighting of the moon has been confirmed.
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Eid for Sunni Muslims starts on Friday, Shiites wait another day
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines, and other Sunni Muslim countries announced Thursday the holiday of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the Ramadan fast will begin on Friday.
In some countries with a Shiite Muslim majority, authorities have said the holiday will start on Saturday.
"Tomorrow, Friday, is the first day of Eid al-Fitr for this year," with Thursday the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, the official Saudi Press Agency said on its Twitter account, citing a royal court statement.
The timing of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.
Indian Army holds Iftar party at J-K's Poonch
The Indian Army brigade organised an Iftar party in the Sekelu area of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on Thursday.
Speaking on occasion, Block Development Council (BDC) Chairperson thanked Indian Army for organizing the Iftar party and wished happy Ramzan to the people and expressed optimism that peace and tranquillity will prevail, ushering development in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Indian Army organized an Iftar party for the muslim community. This is not the first time every year the Iftar party is being organised by the army. Continuing the legacy this year also they have organized the iftar party for us. I would like to thank Indian army officers," said Shamim Ganie BDC chairperson, Mandi.
Muslims take part in Eid prayers in Indonesia | See Image
Muslims take part in a morning prayer celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, near the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Denpasar on Indonesia resort island of Bali.
Markets abuzz for Eid shopping in J-K's Srinagar
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, markets in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar are bustling with activity as people prepare for the joyous occasion.
"We are delighted and I want to wish all my brothers Eid Mubarak. I have come here for shopping. It's a time of celebration, and we are excited to indulge in the festive preparations. After years we have seen this kind of excitement in people, because of COVID-19 there were restrictions," a local said.
Kerala govt announces Eid holidays
The government of Kerala declares two days of holiday on the 21st & 22nd of April for Eid-ul-Fitr.
Watch: 'Eid Mubarak', Canadian PM Justin Trudeau greets the world on Eid 2023
On the occasion of Eid 2023, Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, extended Eid wishes to Muslims across the world. In his video message, started by greeting, ‘As-salamu alaykum’, to everyone. He also stressed upon the importance of the festival and wished everyone ‘Eid Mubarak’
“Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of breaking the fast, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. To Muslims across the country and around the world who are celebrating with their family and friends: Eid Mubarak!"tweeted Justin Trudeau.
UN Secretary-General,Antonio Guterres, extends Eid 2023 wishes
United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, extended wishes on the ocassion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday.
"My warmest wishes to everyone celebrating #EidalFitr. Each of us can be inspired by this celebrations’ spirit of solidarity, community, compassion and empathy. Eid Mubarak," he tweeted.
Egypt and Jordan to celebrate Eid 2023 on Friday
After spotting the pious crescent moon on Thursday, Egypt and Jordan will celebrate Eid al-Fitr from Friday. In divided Libya, the religious authorities based in the capital of Tripoli, announced the beginning of Eid celebration from Saturday. In the country's east, run by a rival administration, authorities marked Friday as the start.
India will celebrate Eid on Saturday
India will celebrate Eid on Saturday, April 22. The India Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal on Thursday, said that the Shawwal crescent moon could not be spotted yesterday. Which means, Eid will be celebrated on April 22. (Read full story here
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Phillippines to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday
As the crescent moon could not be sighted on Thursday in Phillippines, the country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday. According to Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’, the Islamic Advisory Council of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Eid-al-Fitr celebrations will begin on Saturday. The crescent moon could not be spotted in Mindanao, ncluding Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, as well as the cities of Cotabato and Iligan on Thursday night.
Eid 2023 wishes to share with loved ones
As several countries have announced their Eid dates and moon sighting was over by Thursday in many regions, it is the time for Eid celebrations. People across the world are preparing to celebrate Eid. Send love to the people who matter to you in the form of best wishes and messages on the ocassion of Eid. (Read: Eid-ul-Fitr 2023: Wishes and warm greetings)
Afghanistan to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on Friday
In Afghanistan, the head of the Taliban-appointed judiciary, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, said the holiday for Eid ul-Fitr would start on Friday.
Stampede in Yemen at Ramadan charity event kills at least 78
A crowd apparently panicked by gunfire and an electrical explosion stampeded at an event to distribute financial aid during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Yemen’s capital late Wednesday, killing at least 78 people and injuring at least 77 others, according to witnesses and Houthi rebel officials.
The tragedy was Yemen's deadliest in years that was not related to the country's long-running war, and came ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan later this week.
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Shiite Muslim majority to celebrate Eid on Saturday
In some countries with a Shiite Muslim majority, authorities have said the holiday will start on Saturday.
Statements from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iraq's highest Shiite authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, said Eid would start on Saturday in their countries.
In Oman, too, the holiday will start on Saturday.
In divided Libya, the religious authorities based in the capital of Tripoli, said it would start on Saturday. In the country's east, run by a rival administration, authorities marked Friday as the start.
Indonesia to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday
In Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population worldwide, the second-largest Islamic group, Muhammadiyah — with over 60 million members — said that according to its astronomical calculations, the holiday of Eid al-Fitr starts on Friday. However, the country’s religious affairs minister had announced on Thursday that the start of the holiday would fall on Saturday.
Four-day holiday for Eid al-Fitr in Saudi
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines, and other Sunni Muslim countries announced that the holiday of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the Ramadan fast will begin on Friday.
"Tomorrow, Friday, is the first day of Eid al-Fitr for this year," with Thursday the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, the official Saudi Press Agency said on its Twitter account, citing a royal court statement.
Saudis are expected to observe a four-day holiday for Eid al-Fitr.
Saudi, UAE and Qatar to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday
Saudi Arabia announced that the celebration of Eid al-Fitr to begin on Friday. United Arab Emirates and Qatar, followed Saudi Arabia and announced that the holiday would begin for them on Friday, while their Gulf Arab neighbor, Oman, declared that the moon had not been sighted and the holiday would begin on Saturday.
No moon sightings in Pakistan
Clerics of Pakistan's state-backed moon sighting committee announced in Islamabad that Eid al-Fitr would be celebrated on Saturday as there were no sightings of the moon there.
No moon sighting in Thailand
Like India, Japan, Thailand is also slared to celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Saturday , 22 April, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday.
Japan to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday
In Japan, Eid Al Fitr will fall on Saturday, 22 April, on account of the moon not being sighted on Thursday
India to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on 22 April
Eid-ul-Fitr will be clebrated on 22 April in India. The scholars, including India Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal cited that the Shawwal creacent moon was not sighted on Thursday.
The Kerala government, meanwhile, declared April 22 also as a government holiday on the occasion of Eid. According to the calendar, the holiday for Eid is on Friday, April 21.
UAE to get 4-day break for Eid Al Fitr
UAE residents will get a 4-day break to celebrate the Islamic festival that is marked after a month of fasting, Ramadan. The long weekend of the year began on Thursday, and offices and schools will resume on Monday, 24 April
New Zealand to sight Shawwal crescent on Thursday
Latest to join the Shawwal moon sightingb countries is New Zealand. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand has confirmed that Muslims in the country will sight the Eid moon on Thursday 20 April, 2023.
Saudi Arabia announces Eid Al Fitr on 21 April
Saudi Arabia has sighted the crescent moon. Eid Al Fitr will be clebrated on 21 April, Friday.
Complete sighting of Shawwal crescent moon 2023
Astronomical reports have stated that on Friday, 21 April the crescent moon is much more likely to be sighted from everywhere around the world and it will be 2.4% lit from Mecca and generally much higher and brighter in the post-sunset sky while it will be about 4% from the West coast of the US.
US announces Eid Al Fitr date
The Fiqh Council of North America shared, “The Astronomical New Moon is on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 4:12 Universal Time. On April 20, the elongation is more than 8 degrees and moon is more than 5 degrees above the sun everywhere in North America. Hence the first day of Shawwal is on Friday, April 21, 2023, insha’Allah."
France to sight Eid moon today, 20 April
The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) of France has appealed to Muslims in the country to sight the New Moon of the month of Shawwal 1444 on 20 April 2023, the 29th Ramaḍān 1444.
UK to sight Shawwal crescent 2023 today
UK’s Islamic Relief, Wifaqul Ulama has made appeal to Muslims in the country to sight the New Moon of the month of Shawwal 1444 on 20 April 2023, the 29th Ramaḍān 1444.
PM Modi sends Eid wishes to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday conveyed Eid Al Fitr greetings to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. In the message to his Albanian counterpart, Prime Minister Modi extended warm greetings to the people of Albania on the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Fitr.
"Prime Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi sent a message today to the Prime Minister of Albania, H.E. Mr. Edi Rama extending warm greetings to him and the people of Albania on the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Fitr. He wished peace, harmony, good health and happiness to the people of Albania and across the world as they now prepare for celebrating Eid Al Fitr," the Embassy of India, Bucharest accredited to Romania, Albania and Moldova tweeted on Thursday.
Watch: Saudi Arabia's Tumair prepares to sight the Shawwal crescent
To witness the Shawwal crescent moon, which will mark Eid celebrations next day, preparations are going in in Saudi Arabia's Tumair. The latest video shared by Haramain info on Twitter, shows the seating arrangement surrounding the telescope to witness the crescent moon on Thursday.
No moon sighting in Pakistan on Thursday
There is no chance of moon sighting in Pakistan on Thursday due to cloudy weather, said Pakistan Meteorological Department.
“The new moon of Shawwal 1444 AH will born on crossing conjunction point at 09-12 PST on 20-04-2023. Astronomical parameters of new moon and average cloud amounts at Pilot Balloon Observatories of Pakistan Meteorological Department are attached herewith," said Pakistan Met department in its official notification.
UAE announces Eid celebration dates
The United Arab Emirates has asked its people to search for Shawwal crescent moon on Thursday. If the moon is spotted on Thursday, Eid will be declared on Friday. Based on the date of moon sighting, the UAE will give a four-day or a five-day break to its people.
The UAE's moon-sighting committeee will declare the result shortly. Eid-ul-Fitr prayer timings for other cities have been announced. Prayer timing for Abu Dhabi is fixed at 6:12 am, 6:06 am for Al Ain, 6:10 am for Dubai, 6:07 am for Sharjah city, 6:06 am for Al Dhaid, and 6:07 am for Madam and Mleiha.
Eid to be celebrated in Canada on this date
Canada has also announced the date of celebration of Eid. The Association of Muslims in Canada has said that Eid-ul-Fitrs in 2023, will be celebrated on Friday, April 21, 2023. It also said that the exact date of celebration will depend upon the sighting of the moon of Shawwal 1444AH.
“This year, Eid ul Fitr 2023 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, April 21, 2023. However, the exact date is subject to the sighting of the moon of Shawwal 1444AH, 10th month of Islamic Calendar," said the Association of Muslims in Canada.
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Malaysia to happen on this date
After failing to witness the Shawwal crescent on Thursday, Malaysian government has announced that the Eid in Malaysia will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
“AIDILFITRI | The Keeper of the Great Seal of the Kings, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced that Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia falls on Saturday, 22 April 2023," tweeted a Malaysian private FM, Buletin FM, in Malay.
Singapore will celebrate Eid 2023 on this day
Majils Ugama Islam Singapore, statutory board of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Government of Singapore, has announced that Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 22, 2023.
When is Eid holiday in Delhi schools?
As people await eagerly to sight moon ahead of Eid celebrations, there is confusion about the date of Eid holiday for Delhi schools. As per the government calender, Eid will be observed on April 22,2023, but the celebration depends on the visibility of moon in India.
Hence, students are advised to follow official calender issued by the Government of India. As per the bank holiday list as well, all banks will remain shut on April 22,2023 on the occasion of Eid. Students are also advised to keep an eye on government notices and stay in touch with their teachers in case of any change of holiday.
Oman moon-sighting committee to meet ahead of Eid celebrations
Ahead of Eid celebrations, Oman moon-sighting committee will meet at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs on Thursday,
The Ministry has requested its citizens and residents to look out for the new moon by cooperating with field teams in the Wilayat or inform of any sighting to the subcommittees.
Oman's main moon-sighting committee for the month of Shawwal 1444 AH will meet at the Ministry of Endowments and Religiour Affairs on Thursday for moon sighting.
Eid celebration in Morocco
North African country, Morocco, will celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr on April 22,2023. Moroccan astronomer Hicham Aissaoui had earlier frecasted the mismatch in its date of Eid celebration with that of Saudi Arabia and other countries even before the start of Ramadan. Notably, this will be the first time in five years, when Morocco will complete a full month of 30 days fasting during Ramadan.
When will be Eid celebrated in Kashmir?
In India, Eid, which marks the completion of Ramazan fasting, will celebrated either on Friday or on Saturday, based on the moon sighting. In Kashmir, the beginning of the joyous festival is decided by the grand mufti of the state. The mufti has the authority to announce the start of festival based on the sighting of the new moon. The timing of moon sighting is based on several factors including moon's position and the prevailing weather conditions. As per Kashmir's official website, Eid will be celebrated on April 22. (Read full report here)
Moon-sighting date in Kerala
Unlike, other regions, Eid-ul-Fitr in Kerala is observed not on the day when moon is visible in the state, but on the day of moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.
According to the official website of Kerala government, Eid-Ul-Fitr will be celebrated on 21 April.
Kerala's local moon sighting committee adhere to the traditional islamic calendar and its practice of waiting for the actual sighting of the moon. It is the only Indian state where Eid-ul-Fitr date is determined by the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.
Moon-sighting date in India
In India, the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitra might vary from other countries due to the visibility of the moon. The festival of rejoicing, mercy, adn the renewal of one's dedication to serving others will be celebrated across India either on Friday or Saturday, based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Moon sighting date in Saudi Arabia and other gulf countries
Muslims celebrating Eid across gulf region, including Qatar, will witness the Shawwal crescent moon on Thursday, April 20. In Qatar, the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) will meet immediately after the sunset prayer on Thursday. The Committee has also called on all Muslims living in the country to sight the Shawwal crescent on Thursday.
Puducherry Lt Governor Soundararajan hosts Iftar party
Amid preparations of Eid celebrations across the world and in India, Lieutenant Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundarajan hosted an Iftar party at Raj Nivas in the Union Territory on Wednesday.
In his tweet, the LG extended his wishes to all the people of the Islamic community and called for the promotion of brotherhood.
"Happy to host the 'IFTAR' celebration at Raj Nivas, Puducherry. Alongside Honb CM, Speaker, Ministers, MLAs, Officials, Wakf Board members, Immam & dignitaries from IslamicCommunity & political party leaders. On this occasion let's promote the message of the Brotherhood," Puducherry Lt Governor tweeted.
The Iftar party was joined by the UT's CM N Rangasamy, Speakerr R Selvam, Ministers, legislators, of All India NR Congress (AINRC), Waqf Board members, dignitaries from Islamic Community etc.
During Ramzan, people have two main meals, called as the ‘suhoor’ or sehri before dawn and the ‘iftar’ after sunset.
20,700 mosques, prayer areas across Saudi Arabia
Around 20,700 mosques and outdoor prayer areas across Saudi Arabia have been prepared and equipped with safety measures for the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
Chaand Raat celebrations
Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, United Kingdom and other countries in the Middle East and West will gear up to sight the crescent moon on April 20 evening. Read more.
When will India celebrate Eid?
The tentative date for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in 2023 is April 22. If the sighting of the first moon of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, is not confirmed on April 22, then the festival will be observed on April 23.
First day of Eid al-Fitr in Australia announced
The Australian Fatwa Council has announced that the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Australia will be observed on April 22, based on astronomical calculations. Since the crescent moon is expected to be invisible on April 20 evening, the decision was taken.
What is Meethi Eid?
Eid al-Fitr is popularly known as “Meethi Eid" when Muslims break their fast. The preparation of sweet dishes is a significant part of this festival. Muslims distribute sweet dishes like Sheer Korma and Sevaiyan.