Eid-al-Fitr 2024 is expected to be observed on April 10 or 11 in India.
The observation of Eid al-Fitr 2024 in India is anticipated to fall on either April 10 or 11, contingent upon the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. Eid al-Fitr, also known as Ramadan Eid, signifies the conclusion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan.
There’s speculation among experts that the total solar eclipse could affect the visibility of the crescent moon. Reports suggest that the crescent moon might not be visible immediately after the eclipse, potentially delaying the moon-sighting until April 9, 2024. Consequently, the festival’s celebration will occur one day following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon.
Saudi says Eid-al-Fitr 2024 holiday to start Wednesday — Why it’s important for India?
On Monday, Saudi Arabia, the sacred site of Islam’s holiest shrines, announced that the Eid al-Fitr holiday, signifying the end of the Ramadan fast, will commence on Wednesday. The official Saudi Press Agency, via its X account, reported, “Supreme Court declares tomorrow the last day of #Ramadan and Wednesday the first day of #Eid Al-Fitr.”
Given the time difference, the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia holds significance for India. Typically, with the exception of Kerala, India celebrates Eid a day after Saudi Arabia. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, India will observe Eid on Thursday, April 11.
Bihar govt declares holiday for teachers on Eid-al-Fitr 2024.
The Bihar government has announced holidays for school teachers on Eid-ul-Fitr and Ram Navami. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered that the holidays be given on April 10 and 11 for Eid-ul-Fitr and April 17 for Ram Navami, it said. According to a statement issued by the Education Department, the CM took “discomfiture” among teachers because of the residential training programme that deprived them of the holidays.
Eid-al-Fitr 2024 Shawwal crescent moon sighting in US.
The US Naval Observatory has stated that sighting the lunar crescent within one day of the new moon is typically challenging. During this period, the crescent is extremely thin, with a low surface brightness, making it susceptible to being obscured by twilight. Generally, experienced observers with favorable sky conditions can expect to spot the lunar crescent about one day after the new moon. However, the actual visibility of the crescent can vary significantly from month to month. Reports of naked-eye sightings as early as 15.5 hours after the new moon have been reliably documented, while observers using telescopes have reported sightings as early as 12.1 hours after the new moon.
Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Pakistan.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan is set to convene on Tuesday evening to sight the Shawwal moon for Eid-ul-Fitr 2024. The Met Office forecasts the first day of Eid ul Fitr to be on April 10, with the Shawwal moon anticipated to be sighted on April 9. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the crescent will appear on April 8 at 11:21 pm, and by the following day around Maghrib prayer, it will be 19 to 20 hours old.
Preparations begin in Saudi to sight the Shawwal crescent.
Preparations begin to sight the Shawwal crescent in Saudi Arabia at the main observatories of Sudair and Tumair.
Shoppers throng markets in Kashmir ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The markets in Kashmir hummed with vibrant activity on Monday as throngs of people emerged to shop for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival, marking the conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan. Bakeries, confectioneries, meat shops, clothing boutiques, and household goods stores were bustling with eager customers as Muslims began their preparations for the festivities. The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr, either Wednesday or Thursday, hinges upon the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday.
