Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated in India on March 31 or April 1, 2025, depending on the moon sighting. The festival, which marks the end of Ramadan, is dependent on moon cycles as Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days. Traditions include prayers, celebrations, and charitable contributions such as Zakat al-Fitr.
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its conclusion, there is considerable anticipation regarding the date of Eid-ul-Fitr in India. This festival, which signifies the end of Ramadan, is dependent on the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan commenced on March 2, 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon on March 1, and lasts for either 29 or 30 days during which Muslims observe fasting, known as Roza.
In India, if Ramadan has 29 days, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 31, 2025; however, it will fall on April 1 if Ramadan extends to 30 days. Therefore, Eid will likely be observed on either March 31 (Monday) or April 1 (Tuesday).
It is common for Eid celebrations in India to occur a day after they take place in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, where Ramadan began on March 1, the festival is anticipated on either March 30 or March 31 due to the local moon sighting. Reports also suggest that in Pakistan, Eid-ul-Fitr could be celebrated on March 31 if the moon is sighted on March 30.
The United Arab Emirates government has officially announced holiday dates, stating that if Ramadan concludes on the 30th day, the public sector holiday will extend to April 2. The official date of Eid encompasses the moon sighting: should the moon be visible on March 30, the celebration will occur the following day, while a sighting on March 31 will mean Eid on April 1.
Ramadan represents one of the five pillars of Islam, serving as a time for spiritual reflection and prayer for Muslims worldwide. Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the conclusion of Ramadan, is a joyous occasion where Muslims express gratitude to Allah for the strength bestowed upon them during fasting. The term “Eid” translates to “feast” or “festival,” whereas Eid al-Fitr conveys “the festival of breaking the fast.”
Eid al-Adha, Islam’s second most significant festival, follows approximately 70 days after Eid-ul-Fitr and commemorates the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. On the day of Eid, many Muslims attend morning prayers at the mosque and traditionally wear new attire, reciting a prayer known as the takbeer on their way.
A vital feature of the celebration is Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation intended to enable all community members, particularly the less fortunate, to partake in the festive joy.
In summary, the date of Eid-ul-Fitr in India for 2025 could be celebrated on either March 31 or April 1, contingent on the moon sighting. This festival marks the completion of Ramadan and embodies gratitude, reflection, and charitable giving among Muslims. As in previous years, the observances in India may follow closely behind those in Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
