islamic lunar calendar

West Bengal has declared May 28 a public holiday for Eid al-Adha, revising its earlier schedule due to updated moon-sighting. This aligns the state's observance with the national calendar, where the festival will now be celebrated on May 28 across many parts of India. Government offices and educational institutions will be closed.

Bakra Eid, or Eid Ul Adha, will be celebrated with joy on May 28, 2026, honoring Prophet Ibrahim's devotion. Muslims worldwide observe this by sacrificing animals, sharing meat with family, friends, and the needy. The festival involves morning prayers, charitable acts, and the tradition of giving Eidi to younger family members, fostering community spirit and gratitude.

Poila Boisakh, the Bengali New Year, signifies a fresh start, mirroring the Sun's movement into Aries. This tradition emphasizes purifying homes, inviting prosperity by welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, and clearing emotional clutter. Businesses also embrace new beginnings with Halkhata. Embracing sunlight and traditional decorations like mango leaves further enhances positive energy for a healthy and happy year ahead.

Saudi Arabia has called upon Muslims to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026, to determine the start of Eid Al Fitr. This sighting dictates the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the festival. Many global Muslim communities await Saudi Arabia's announcement, though South Asian nations may observe a day later based on local moon sightings.

Schools and colleges across India are expected to observe a holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr around March 20 or March 21, 2026, depending on the crescent moon sighting that marks the end of Ramadan. The festival concludes a month of fasting and prayer, and institutions typically confirm the holiday shortly before the celebration due to the lunar-based Islamic calendar.

Ramadan 2026 is anticipated to commence in India on February 20th, following the sighting of the moon in Mecca. In the UAE, the start is expected on February 19th. This sacred month involves strict fasting from sunrise to sunset, known as Roza, preceded by Sehri and broken by Iftar.

The Islamic New Year, marking the start of Muharram 1447, began on June 25, 2025, following moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. The UAE declared a public holiday on June 27. Rooted in the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina in 622 CE, the occasion is a time for spiritual reflection, observed solemnly across over 20 countries.

While Kerala celebrates Eid today after sighting the Shawwal crescent moon, the rest of India will observe the festival tomorrow. This timing difference arises from the traditional practice of moon sighting, with atmospheric conditions preventing a sighting in other regions, leading to a 30-day fast.

The controversial lunar calendar launched by Pakistan's minister for science and technology Fawad Chaudhry was challenged in the Peshawar high court on Monday, with the petitioner saying it was not in line with Islamic teachings and demanded the minister's sacking.

Ramadan 2025, a significant holy month for Muslims, is expected to begin in India on March 1. It involves fasting, known as Roza, from sunrise to sunset, marked by Sehri and Iftar. The lunar calendar sets these dates. Eid al-Fitr is anticipated by the month's end, based on moon sightings.

As the ‘new year’ of 2016 has been ushered across the globe, as per various calendars prevalent in India and Gujarat, the time denotes very different timeline.

The UAE will begin Rabi Al Awwal on Monday, August 25, after the crescent moon was not sighted on Saturday. This marks a rare divergence from Saudi Arabia, which starts the month a day earlier. The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday will fall on September 5 in the UAE, possibly resulting in a three-day public holiday.

The Islamic New Year, marking the start of 1447 AH, is expected to begin on the evening of June 25, 2025, commemorating the Hijra. This pivotal event signifies Prophet Muhammad's migration to Medina, establishing the first Muslim community.

South Africa will mark Eid ul Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a day after many Gulf nations and countries in the West, due to local moon-sighting traditions and astronomical data. This highlights the global diversity in determining Islamic festival dates, influenced by regional interpretations and scientific calculations, creating a familiar pattern across continents.

Muslims throughout the world will celebrate the Islamic New Year 1440 AH on September 21, 2018.

Devotees offered namaz on the occasion of Eid al-Adha on Sunday. Hundreds of families were gathered at Jama Masjid in Delhi and other prominent places to greet each other on the special occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the nation on the beginning of the holy month of Ramzan. The PM hoped that this month brings the spirit of harmony, happiness and brotherhood in our society. Ramzan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

The UAE has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, a paid holiday for private sector employees to mark the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH. The public sector will observe the same day off, giving many residents a three-day weekend. The Hijri New Year commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina and marks the start of the islamic lunar calendar.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday falls on Friday, September 5, 2025, corresponding to the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar. While the UAE has not officially announced the holiday, the date’s alignment with the weekend raises the possibility of a three-day break for residents. The occasion holds deep religious significance across the Muslim world.

Eid-ul-Fitr in India is anticipated on March 20 or 21, 2026, contingent on the moon sighting. This joyous festival marks the end of Ramadan's fasting and spiritual reflection. It's a time for gratitude, community, and renewed faith, celebrating the successful completion of a month of discipline and devotion.

It is a time of joy and celebration for Muslims, who use this occasion to express gratitude to God for the blessings and strength provided during the month of Ramadan.

Muslims across the world are gearing up for Ramadan 2026. What do the forecasts suggest? When will the holy month of fasting commence? How long is it expected to last? When will Ramadan conclude this year, leading to Eid al-Fitr celebrations? Read on as we spill all the details including shorter fasting hours due to the winter season, making observance more manageable.

Muslims worldwide are anticipating 2026 Ramadan's start with great pomp and show. Do astronomical calculations point to Wednesday, February 18 or Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the most likely first day in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and many other nations? Here's what the local moon sightings, the blend of tradition and science favours for the holy month of fasting and reflection.

UAE residents can now plan for Eid Al-Fitr 2026, with prayer timings announced across all emirates, scheduled shortly after sunrise. While official confirmation hinges on the Shawwal moon sighting on March 18, preparations are underway for mosque-based prayers. The festive mood is building as holidays and travel plans are finalized.