The crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday, and Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali announced that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated in India on March 21.
Speaking in Lucknow, Maulana Rasheed Mahali said, “The month of Shawwal has not been sighted today. The 30th Roza will be observed tomorrow, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 21. Eid al-Fitr Namaz will be offered at 10 am at Lucknow Eidgah, after which special prayers will be offered for world peace. On the occasion, I extend greetings to the nation.”
The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted due to overcast conditions and that no reliable reports were received from across the country. “Due to overcast and cloudy conditions in Kashmir, the crescent moon was not sighted and remained not visible. The All J&K Shia Association (AJKSA) Ruyat-e-Hilal Committee has also not received any reliable testimonies of moon sighting from Kashmir or any other part of India,” it said.
“Therefore, in accordance with Shia Islamic guidelines, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Saturday, March 21,” the association added.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festival marked by prayers, family gatherings and charity. While India will celebrate Eid on March 21, some parts of the world are expected to observe it on March 20.
Meanwhile, Narendra Modi extended Eid greetings to global leaders, expressing hope for peace in West Asia.
Amid ongoing tensions, sections of the Shia community in Rajasthan have decided not to celebrate Eid this year. Imam Syed Nazish Akbar Kazmi of Shia Jama Masjid in Jaipur said, “The Shia community in Rajasthan will not celebrate Eid. Not only men, but children and women will not wear new clothes, and we will only offer prayers without celebrating any joy. Sweets and desserts will be prepared at home, and Eid greetings will not be exchanged.”
“Therefore, we have decided not to celebrate Eid this year, and during prayers, we will pray for the destruction of the enemy countries of Iran,” he added.