Bhubaneswar: The Muslim community in Odisha will observe Eid ul-Fitr on Saturday (March 21), 2026, marking the joyous end of the holy month of Ramadan. The announcement came from the Anjuman Islamia Ahle Sunnat-O-Jamaat office of the Chand Committee in Cuttack, following no sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon anywhere in the state on the evening of March 19.
As per the committee, the last day of Ramadan (the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar) will be observed on Friday, March 20. During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn to dusk (Roja), engage in Quran recitation, offer special prayers, and practice charity and self-reflection. Exceptions apply for the sick, elderly, pregnant women, and travelers.
Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims, who fast during the day, recite the Quran, and attend prayer sessions. Healthy persons, except the sick and elderly, observe the month-long Roja.
The night before Eid, known as Chand Raat, is filled with festive shopping, family gatherings, henna application, and preparations for Eid prayers and feasts. The tradition of naked-eye moon sighting follows the prophetic Sunnah for determining Islamic months.
Eid ul-Fitr celebrations include special congregational prayers (Eid Namaz) at mosques and Eidgahs, exchanging sweets and greetings, wearing new clothes, giving Zakat al-Fitr (charity), and sharing meals with family and the needy. In Odisha, communities in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and other districts will mark the day with enthusiasm and unity. The festival fosters joy, forgiveness, and brotherhood, concluding a month of spiritual discipline.
