India will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr today, Monday, March 31, as the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal was sighted in various parts of the country on Sunday evening.
Fatehpuri Masjid Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad confirmed the sighting and announced that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had received reports from multiple locations affirming the presence of the Shawwal crescent. “On this occasion, we pray that brotherhood and harmony in the country continue to prosper and are strengthened with love,” he said.
Confirmation from Religious Authorities
In Jammu and Kashmir, Grand Mufti Nasirul Islam also confirmed the moon sighting, stating that reports were received from various regions, including Srinagar. “The festival will be celebrated on Monday as the crescent moon was sighted in many places across the Union Territory,” he told reporters.
Similarly, Imarat-e-Shariah-Hind, a leading Muslim organization, issued a statement confirming the moon sighting in different regions, including the national capital. The statement quoted Maulana Najibullah Qasmi, secretary of the organization’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, as saying, “The month of Shawwal will begin on Monday, March 31, and special Eid prayers will be offered in the morning.”
Shahi Jama Masjid Imam Syed Shaban Bukhari also announced in a video shared on social media that the moon had been sighted in various parts of the country, thereby confirming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on Monday.
Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant religious celebrations in Islam. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan, during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk, engage in prayers, and dedicate themselves to acts of charity and self-reflection.
The festival is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Eid is observed on different dates each year across the world, depending on regional moon sightings.
Community Reactions and Festive Preparations
The announcement of Eid has brought immense joy and excitement across the country. Markets witnessed a last-minute shopping rush as people prepared for the celebrations by purchasing new clothes, sweets, and gifts for their loved ones. Bakeries and confectionery shops saw a surge in demand for traditional Eid delicacies like seviyan (vermicelli pudding), sheer khurma, and a variety of sweets.
Eid prayers will be offered in mosques and Eidgahs (open prayer grounds) across India, where large congregations of Muslims will come together to offer special prayers and seek blessings. Many religious leaders and scholars have urged people to use this occasion to spread love, kindness, and unity.
Head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani, extended his greetings on Eid, emphasizing the need to foster peace and harmony. In a social media post, he wrote, “I pray that Allah makes this Eid an opportunity to remove differences and promote the spirit of tolerance and love among us.”
Eid Celebrations Across the World
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated globally, but due to time zone differences and regional moon sightings, different countries observe it on different days. While some Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, celebrated Eid on Sunday, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are celebrating it today.
The occasion is marked by communal prayers, feasting, and social gatherings where families and friends come together to celebrate. It is also a time for giving, with many people engaging in charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, ensuring that the underprivileged can partake in the festivities.
A Month of Devotion Comes to an End
This year, the month of Ramzan lasted for 29 days in India, as opposed to 30 days in the previous year. Throughout the month, Muslims observed rigorous fasting, engaged in extended prayers (Taraweeh), and devoted themselves to self-discipline, spiritual purification, and community service. The sighting of the crescent moon now signifies a time of joy, gratitude, and renewed faith.
As India celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr, messages of peace and unity continue to pour in from leaders, celebrities, and religious figures. The festival serves as a reminder of the values of generosity, compassion, and harmony, reinforcing the importance of coming together as a society to spread love and positivity.
Final Thoughts
Eid-ul-Fitr is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of faith, gratitude, and the triumph of the human spirit over worldly temptations. It is a day when differences are set aside, and people come together to embrace the values of love and togetherness.
As millions of Muslims across India gather in mosques, homes, and community centers to celebrate this auspicious occasion, the spirit of Eid continues to inspire acts of kindness and goodwill. The echoes of Eid Mubarak! will resonate in streets and homes, carrying the message of peace and happiness.
Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Eid-ul-Fitr!
