Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on March 30 in Saudi Arabia and the US, with India likely marking the occasion on March 31. Variations in moon sighting practices explain differences in celebration dates among nations. Iran and Pakistan are also expected to celebrate Eid on the same day as India, highlighting diverse traditions within the Islamic community.
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations have been confirmed for March 30 in Saudi Arabia and the United States, following the sighting of the crescent moon on March 29. As a result, Saudi Arabia will observe Eid on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The United Arab Emirates is anticipated to adopt the same date, subject to confirmation of the moon sighting by local officials.
The United States has also confirmed Eid for March 30, with Masjid Bilal in New Jersey planning a festive celebration that includes free food, goody bag distributions, and children’s activities. In India, the crescent moon is expected to be sighted on March 30, meaning Eid may be celebrated on March 31, subject to official confirmation. This variance in dates is often due to differing methodologies in moon sighting between countries.
Saudi Arabia typically follows a method combining traditional physical sightings with the pre-calculated Umm al-Qura calendar, although this has occasionally led to controversy when official declarations do not coincide with astronomical data. India, in contrast, employs a decentralized approach, relying on local committees for crescent verification.
Additionally, both Iran and Pakistan are projected to celebrate Eid on March 31, with Iran likely to witness the crescent on March 30 and Pakistan’s space agency forecasting the moon sighting that same evening.
The celebrations mark the end of Ramadan, showcasing diverse practices among the Muslim community across different nations, all while adhering to traditions surrounding the lunar calendar.
The confirmation of Eid on March 30 in Saudi Arabia and the United States highlights the significance of the lunar calendar in Islamic traditions. Variations in moon sighting practices may result in different celebration dates in other countries such as India, which anticipates a probable Eid on March 31. Countries like Iran and Pakistan are also expected to follow suit on March 31, showcasing the diversity and communal aspect of these celebrations.
Original Source: www.businesstoday.in