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Moon-Sighting Split Sets Three Different Eid Dates Across Regions

Conflicting testimony against forecasts of poor visibility produced observances on March 19, 20 and 21.

Overview

  • Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee set Eid for Saturday, March 21, after reporting no credible crescent sightings and citing SUPARCO data showing a roughly 12 hour, 41 minute moon age and a short sunset–moonset gap.
  • India’s national committees declared Saturday for Eid following a non-sighting nationwide, while clerics in Kerala reported a local sighting and scheduled Friday prayers.
  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with several Gulf states, are observing Eid on Friday, March 20, after completing 30 days of Ramadan and confirming the start of Shawwal.
  • Afghanistan observed Eid on Thursday, March 19, after authorities accepted local testimonies and the Supreme Court declared the first of Shawwal.
  • In the UK, many mosques following Morocco or Saudi Arabia will mark Eid on Friday, while the New Crescent Society announced Saturday after no local naked‑eye sighting.