When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026? Date, Significance, History and Importance of Eid-ul-Fitr

The "Festival of Breaking the Fast" or Eid-ul-Fitr, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world with utmost joy and celebration. The festival marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting (roza) of Ramadan. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad got the first revelation of the Holy Quran in this month. This religious Eid is the first and only day in the month of ‘Shawwal’ during which Muslims are not allowed to fast. The day of celebration of Eid varies as the date for the start of any lunar ‘Hijri’ month differs based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. This year, the festival will be observed from the Friday , 20 March to 21 March.

It is believed that Eid-ul-Fitr originated by Prophet Mohammad. Many traditions indicate that this festival was first celebrated when Prophet migrated to Mecca. A trusted and well known companion of Prophet has narrated that when he arrived in Mecca, Prophet saw people celebrating two particular dates during which they would indulge in happiness and merriment. It was then that the Prophet remarked that the Almighty has decided two days of celebration and festivity- Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

Traditionally, Eid-ul-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of first sighting of the crescent moon. Depending on different countries, the festival is celebrated from one to three days. A specific prayer is carried out on this day and fasting is forbidden. Also, as a mandatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the before performing the Eid prayer. Eid al-Fitr is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited.

In all Muslim households, special celebratory dishes are prepared which include Lachcha or Seviyaan which is a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit. As mentioned earlier, people are supposed to give out compulsory charity on behalf of each of their family members to the needy or poor before Eid day or Eid prayer so that it allows for all to share joy of Eid. At home, family members enjoy special Eid breakfast with various types of sweets and desserts, including the traditional dessert sheer khurma. Eid is a blast of joy for kids, as they mostly receive money in cash called "Eidi" as gift from their relatives.