Eid al-Fitr signifies the conclusion of the sacred month of fasting, Ramadan, during which Muslims worldwide fast daily from dawn until dusk. The Arabic term ‘Eid al-Fitr’ translates to the ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ signifying the joyous celebrations on this day, which marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As Eid al-Fitr follows the lunar calendar, its date varies each year. In India, the festivities are anticipated to occur tentatively on April 10 or 11, contingent upon the sighting of the moon.
In India, Kerala stands out as the sole state where the timing of Eid al-Fitr celebrations hinges on the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia. Consequently, the state observes the festivities on the identical date as Saudi Arabia.
Crescent moon sighting in Saudi Arabia to decide Eid al-Fitr 2024 date in India
The sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia today is pivotal for determining Eid al-Fitr celebrations in India. Due to the time difference, India traditionally observes Eid a day later than Saudi Arabia. Hence, the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia today will ascertain the date of the Islamic festival in India. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia today, India, along with other South Asian countries, will celebrate the festival on Wednesday, April 10, with Eid festivities in the country commencing tomorrow. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia tomorrow, India will observe Eid on Thursday, April 11. This crescent moon sighting customarily occurs a day prior to the festival’s celebration in the region.
Chand Raat, the eve of Eid al-Fitr, symbolizes the culmination of Ramadan or Zul-Hijjah. Translated as the ‘night of the moon’ in Urdu, Chand Raat heralds lively festivities in South Asian nations such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, preceding the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr.