Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be observed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, according to a forecast by the Meteorological Department.
Officials say the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 20, while there is no possibility of moon sighting on March 19.
The Meteorological Department stated that the new moon will be born at 6:23am on March 19. However, by the evening of March 19, the moon’s age will only be around 12 to 13 hours, which has been declared insufficient for visibility.
Experts explained that for a moon to be sighted with the naked eye, it generally needs to be between 18 to 20 hours old.
No chance of moon sighting on March 19
Based on astronomical calculations, officials ruled out the possibility of Shawwal moon sighting on March 19. As a result, the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to fall on March 21, 2026, provided the crescent is sighted on March 20.
Despite the scientific forecast, the final announcement regarding Eid-ul-Fitr will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The committee will meet to review moon sighting reports from across the country before issuing the official confirmation.
