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Eid al-Fitr Dates Split as Gulf Marks Friday and India, Pakistan Set Saturday

Separate moon-sighting rulings based on local visibility led to staggered observance.

Overview

  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE observed Eid on Friday, March 20, after authorities confirmed Ramadan would complete 30 days and a crescent sighting was reported from Abu Dhabi.
  • India’s leading clerics said the crescent was not seen on March 19 and set a national celebration for Saturday, March 21.
  • Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu reported local sightings and held prayers on Friday, creating a one-day split within India.
  • Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee reported no crescent and announced Eid for Saturday, March 21.
  • The UK’s New Crescent Society reported no local sighting and advised Saturday observance, as Birmingham’s GLMCC prepared park prayers to accommodate whichever day was declared.