The wait for Eid ul-Fitr 2026 now hinges on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, March 18. Authorities have asked people to look for the moon this evening, and the announcement will decide whether Eid begins on March 19 or a day later in different regions.
Eid Moon Sighting 2026 Saudi Arabia: When will the moon be visible today
According to the Saudi Supreme Court’s official statement, the crescent moon of Shawwal is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 18. Observers typically begin scanning the sky just after sunset, as that is when the thin crescent may become visible.
If the moon is sighted today, Eid ul-Fitr will start on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries.
Eid Moon Sighting 2026 Saudi Arabia Time
In Saudi Arabia, people look for the Shawwal crescent just after sunset on March 18. The visibility window usually starts around sunset and lasts for 20–40 minutes, depending on location and sky conditions.
Religious authorities then verify reports and make an official announcement later in the evening.
In simple terms, the sun set time in Saudi Arabia is 6:03 pm today. You can expect the thin crescent becomes visible just around that time.
Eid Date 2026: What happens if the moon is not seen
If the crescent is not visible due to weather or other factors, Ramadan will complete 30 days. In that case, Eid will be observed a day later.
This system follows the Islamic lunar calendar, where each month begins only after the new moon is sighted.
Eid 2026: What Saudi Arabia Moon Sighting means for India and South Asia
South Asian countries usually follow their own moon sighting. If Saudi Arabia celebrates Eid on March 19, countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are likely to observe the festival on Friday, March 20.
Thursday, March 19, will then mark the last day of Roza in these regions, with moon sighting taking place the same evening.
Why Eid dates differ across countries
Eid ul-Fitr, also known as Ramzan Eid or Meethi Eid, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset. The festival falls in the first three days of Shawwal in the Hijri calendar.
Since moon visibility depends on location and atmospheric conditions, Eid is often celebrated on different days across countries