ISLAMABAD: Eid ul Fitr 2026 is expected to be observed on Saturday, March 21, in Pakistan, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which completes a 30-day cycle this year.
Astronomical experts have indicated that the Shawwal crescent moon is unlikely to be sighted on the evening of March 19.
According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH will be born on March 19, 2026, at 6:23 AM PST.
At sunset on the same day, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with a 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions, making crescent visibility unlikely.
Based on these calculations, astronomers predict Eid ul Fitr to fall on March 21, though the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final declaration regarding the moon sighting and the official start of the festival across the country.
Eid ul Fitr is celebrated worldwide by Muslims after a month-long fast during Ramadan, a period devoted to patience, self-discipline, and charitable acts.
In Pakistan, Ramadan 2026 began on February 19, following the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s announcement by Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
As Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, lasting 29 or 30 days, the dates of Ramadan and Eid shift approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
This year, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar completes its cycle on March 20, paving the way for the joyous celebration of Eid ul Fitr.
