Moon Sighted! Celebrations Begin In Saudi Arabia; India To Mark On March 31 News24 –

Saudi Arabia Eid-ul-Fitr 2025: Muslims around the world are eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of the crescent moon, which will mark the Eid-ul-Fitr. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is celebrating Eid on Sunday, 30^th March, after the moon was sighted on Saturday, 29^t March. The country has marked the beginning of Shawwal 1446 AH. Ramadan came to an end on Saturday with the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia. Cloudy sky conditions affected the visibility initially, but astronomers used ten observatories to spot the crescent. Bahrain and Kuwait are also marking Eid today, following the Saudi Arabia’s sighting of the moon.  Whereas, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Oman said Monday, March 31, 2025, would be the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The practice of sighting the moon dates back centuries. Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries traditionally observe the sky with naked eye or using telescopes.

India To Celebrate Eid On March 31

While Eid-ul-Fitr (Eid) celebrations have begun across the world in different countries, India will mark Eid on Monday, March 31. Notably, India celebrates Eid a day after Saudi Arabia. The crescent moon was not sighted in India on Saturday, so the celebration will be observed on Monday, March 31.

Apart from India, Iraq, Syria, Oman, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia will also celebrate Eid on March 31.

Eid-ul-Fitr, meaning “festival of breaking the fast,” celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, praying, and reflection. It is one of the five important acts in Islam and is a time for thankfulness, giving to charity, and spending time with family and friends. About 70 days after Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also called the “Feast of Sacrifice.” It marks the end of Hajj, the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca.