Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated across the country on Thursday, April 11. This was announced by Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid. The moon was not visible today, hence the festival of Eid will be celebrated on April 11 across the country," he stated. The official confirmation relies on the sighting of the crescent moon on the last night of Ramadan. This tradition emphasises the significance of the lunar calendar in Islam.
Lucknow's Markazi Chand Committee ALSO said that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in the country on Tuesday hence, Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 11. Speaking to the media, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said the moon has not been sighted in Lucknow. "We have no information about the moon from anywhere in the country. So it has been decided that Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 11," he added.
How are the dates of Eid determined?
The precise date of Eid-ul-Fitr is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. While the Gregorian calendar follows a solar year of 365 days, the Islamic calendar consists of 12 months of 29 or 30 days each, totalling either 354 or 355 days in a year. As a result, the date of Eid-ul-Fitr shifts by approximately 10-12 days each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar.
About Eid ul-Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival is of great significance due to the moon sighting which has been part of Islamic culture for a long time. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad used to wait for news of sightings of the crescent moon as it indicated the beginning of a new month. Ending the holy month of Ramzan and starting a new spiritual journey also marks the beginning of a new Islamic year. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the month-long Ramzan fasting and the beginning of Shawwal which is the tenth month per the Islamic calendar. Since the observance of the moon is essential for ending Ramzan month and celebrating Eid, it is celebrated in different parts on different days usually with a one-day difference.
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