Eid-ul-Fitr 2025: Celebrations Set for March 30 or 31 in India

NEW DELHI, India — Eid-ul-Fitr, a pivotal celebration for Muslims worldwide, is projected to be observed in India on March 30 (Sunday) or March 31 (Monday) in 2025, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The holiday signifies the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting from dawn to dusk. Officially, March 31 is marked as a gazetted holiday in India, yet the exact date hinges on lunar observations by religious authorities.

Eid translates to the ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ and is a time for prayer, charity, and family gatherings. Renowned for delicious dishes, households will prepare traditional meals, chief among them Seviyan, a sweet dish often referred to as ‘Meethi Eid’ or ‘Sweet Eid.’

“Eid is a joyous occasion, a time for gratitude and celebration with family and friends,” said Imam Farid Khan at the New Delhi mosque. “It strengthens community bonds through shared prayers and charitable acts.”

Across various Muslim communities around the globe, preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr are underway. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, Ramadan commenced on March 1, leading to Eid potentially falling on either March 30 or March 31 based on the moon’s visibility.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government announced holiday dates for the public sector. If Ramadan concludes after 30 days, Eid holidays will extend to April 2. The UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee is scheduled to observe the crescent on March 29, and if sighted, Eid will be celebrated starting March 30.

Charitable giving, or Zakat, is an essential pillar during Eid. Muslims are expected to pay Zakat before attending the holiday prayers, emphasizing the importance of aiding the less fortunate.

Celebrations also reflect regional customs. In South Asia, for example, families often gather for communal prayers and lavish feasts featuring biryani and sheer khurma. Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia showcase unique dishes such as rendang and ketupat while coming together for family reunions.

In the Middle East, sweet treats like ma’amoul are common, and children receive Eidiyah, monetary gifts during this festive period. African Muslim communities engage in lively celebrations that include traditional music, festivities, and an emphasis on charity.

As communities prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr 2025, it is a reminder not only of spiritual renewal but also of the values of family, generosity, and community. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on Ramadan’s blessings and to maintain connections with friends and relatives during this cherished holiday.

The anticipation for Eid-ul-Fitr symbolizes a collective emphasis on faith and unity among Muslims worldwide, highlighting the significance of celebration within diverse cultural contexts. May this year’s Eid bring blessings and togetherness to all.