Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic faith. It is celebrated following a full month of fasting during Ramadan. On this day, people offer prayers, embrace one another while exchanging “Eid Mubarak” greetings, and share sweet vermicelli (sewaiyan). However, a question invariably arises in people’s minds every year: why, exactly, is Eid celebrated on different days in India and Saudi Arabia?
This year, too, we observe the same phenomenon: Eid is being celebrated in India on the day immediately following its observance in Saudi Arabia. The reason for this lies in the varying times at which the moon becomes visible—a factor dependent on geographical location and the Islamic lunar calendar. Let us explore when Eid falls in India this year—on the 20th or 21st—and understand the underlying reasons why different countries celebrate Eid on different days.
Eid is Determined by the Sighting of the Moon
The date of Eid is not fixed according to a standard calendar; rather, it is determined by the sighting of the moon. The new moon is typically sighted after 29 or 30 days of fasting during Ramadan. If the moon is sighted, Eid is celebrated on the following day. If the moon remains unseen, fasting continues for one additional day before Eid is celebrated. Consequently, the date of Eid may vary from one location to another.
Why is Eid Celebrated on Different Days in Saudi Arabia and India?
Saudi Arabia is situated to the west of India. The geographical implication of this positioning is that the sun sets there later than it does in India. This provides a longer window of time for sighting the moon; as a result, the moon often becomes visible earlier. This is precisely why Eid in Saudi Arabia frequently takes place one day earlier than in India.
Why Does the Date of Eid Change Every Year?
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. It is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian (English) calendar; consequently, the date of Eid shifts every year. Eid may fall in March one year and in April the next—meaning that it is celebrated on a different day each year. This is also the reason why a one-day discrepancy is often observed across different countries around the world.
March 20 or 21: When is Eid in India This Year? Eid is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia today. However, in India, Eid will not be celebrated today, but rather tomorrow. This means that this year, Eid is being celebrated in India on March 21, 2026.
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