Saudi Arabia announced that Eid al-Fitr will begin on Friday, marking the end of Ramadan. The announcement came after the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on Wednesday evening, meaning Ramadan will complete 30 days on Thursday, March 19.
Today marks the 29th day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, and authorities called on people to look for the Shawwal crescent. With the moon not sighted, Muslims will observe one more day of fasting on Thursday before celebrating Eid on Friday.
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the start of Eid al-Fitr, celebrated with prayers, charity, and family gatherings.
Attention is also turning to India and other countries, where the Eid date will depend on local moon sighting today. If the crescent is seen in India on Thursday evening, Eid will be celebrated on Friday, March 20; otherwise, the festival will fall on Saturday, March 21.
Across the Gulf, residents are expected to enjoy a four-day Eid break from March 19 to March 22.
