The descendants of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, living in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, are not celebrating Eid this year to mourn the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israel air strikes on February 28.

Thousands of Muslims held Eid al-Fitr prayers in Iran to mark the end of the Ramadan fast against the backdrop of the Middle East war.

At dawn, a crowd of worshippers gathered at central Tehran's Imam Khomeini grand mosque, named after the founder of the Islamic Republic.

(Image: AFP)

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 celebrations see people sharing heartfelt wishes and messages, highlighting the spirit of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.

A video has gone viral from Rajasthan's Jaipur, in which members of the Hindu community are seen showering flower petals on members of the Muslim community who offered prayers on Eid ul-Fitr.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people a happy Eid and hoped for brotherhood and kindness all around.

"Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this day further brotherhood and kindness all around. May everyone be happy and healthy. Eid Mubarak!" he said on X.

People offered prayers at Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif in Rajasthan's Ajmer this morning on Eid ul-Fitr. The Jannati Darwaza of the Dargah was opened at 5 am for devotees today.

Dense fog was observed in areas around Delhi's Jama Masjid during morning prayers.

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 celebrations see people sharing 20 heartfelt wishes and messages, highlighting the spirit of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.

Here are the timings to offer Eid prayer in key Indian cities on March 21:

Delhi - 6:15 am

Srinagar - 6:45 am

Hyderabad - 6:20 am

Lucknow - 6:05 am

Gurgaon - 6:17 am

Ghaziabad - 6:13 am

Noida - 6:14 am

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday extended warm greetings to people on the eve of Eid and Nauroz.

In his message on these festive occasions, the chief minister underscored the spiritual significance of Eid as a divine celebration after a month of fasting, prayers and self-discipline during Ramzan, an official spokesman said.

Abdullah said that the festival is an occasion to offer gratitude to the Almighty and to celebrate the values of compassion, generosity and unity nurtured during the holy month.

"Eid is a joyous occasion that brings people together to celebrate the blessings of Ramadan. It strengthens the bonds of community and reaffirms the values of mutual respect and brotherhood. It is a time to spread happiness, extend kindness and lend a helping hand to those in need," he said.

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday greeted citizens on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, an official said.

In her message, the President has said, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially to Muslim sisters and brothers living in India and abroad."

Celebrated after the end of the holy month of Ramadan, this festival gives the message of self-control, charity and compassion for the underprivileged. It also conveys the message of love, brotherhood, peace, and mutual harmony, she said.

"This festival reminds us that we should strive for the well-being of all individuals. On this occasion, let us resolve to help those in need, promote unity and harmony in society and contribute to the nation's progress," she said

With Eid-ul-Fitr a day away, security has been stepped up across Southwest Delhi's Dwarka district, as the Uttam Nagar area remains tense after the March 4 killing.

Police said more than 100 pickets have been set up, with personnel deployed on rooftops and at key junctions to maintain a close watch on movement in sensitive pockets.

Security has been tightened around the Uttam Nagar East metro station following directions from the Delhi High Court after apprehensions of unrest during the festival.

"We have made detailed deployment plans and are ready to respond swiftly to any situation," an officer said.

Security was beefed up across Jharkhand in view of Eid, Sarhul, and Ram Navami, officials said on Friday.

CCTV cameras, drones, and security personnel equipped with video cameras are being deployed at key locations to monitor gatherings, they said.

Eid al-Fitr and the tribal festival Sarhul will be celebrated on Saturday, while Ram Navami will be celebrated on March 27.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, during a high-level meeting with senior officials, asked them to ensure that all festivals are celebrated peacefully. The CM directed the officials to take action against any attempt to disrupt law and order during these festivals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday greeted his country's millions of Muslims on Eid ul-Fitr as more than 200,000 people gathered for Namaz at four different mosques in Moscow.

"For centuries, this holiday has embodied the aspirations of believers for moral improvement, mercy, and compassion, turning them to the enduring values of Islam. I note that Russian Muslims deeply respect the historical and spiritual traditions of their ancestors and widely celebrate this holiday in their communities and family circles. It has become a good custom to hold large-scale charitable, cultural, educational, and children's events during the holy month," Putin said in his message to Russian Muslims who celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr as "Oraza Bairam" (Roza Festival).

Security arrangements in various parts of the country has been beefed up for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations as worshippers gathered for prayers on the last day of Ramzan, ahead of the festival.

Clerics in India announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday after the crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday evening. However, Kerala celebrated the festival on Friday itself.

In Uttarakhand, Hardoi's Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Kumar Meena said that elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival and the ongoing Chaitra Navratri.

"For today's 'Alvida Namaz', we are conducting a flag march in various places and have also posted police personnel at all mosques. The district has been divided into sectors and zones. There is no problem anywhere."

"We are also keeping an eye on any kind of anti-social elements."

Heavy police deployment was also witnessed in Delhi's Uttam Nagar following a Delhi High Court directive ordering the police and civil administration in the area to take all necessary measures in order to ensure a secure and peaceful environment during Eid festivities.

Eid al-Fitr was celebrated across Kerala on Friday with religious fervour and community gatherings.

Known locally as Cheriya Perunnal, special prayers were held in mosques, while Eidgahs were organised in cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Malappuram.

A large number of faithful from the Muslim community attended the morning prayers and exchanged greetings before returning home to celebrate the festival with family and friends.

Worshippers attend the early morning prayers for Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, at Sheikh Abdul-Qadir al-Jilani (Gilani) Shrine in Baghdad.

Lucknow Eidgah Imam, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, announced that the moon was not sighted on Thursday, which means that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated in India on March 21.

Speaking to ANI, Maulana Rasheed Mahali said that Eid al-Fitr Namaz at Lucknow Eidgah will be followed by prayers for world peace.

"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 Muslim cleric said.

Saudi Arabia will reportedly observe Eid today, with celebrations remaining low-key due to the ongoing Iran war.

Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is likely to fall on different days in India and Saudi Arabia in 2026. Saudi Arabia is expected to celebrate the festival on March 20, while India is set to observe it on March 21, depending on the crescent moon sighting.

Moon Sighting Determines Eid Date

The primary reason for the difference lies in the traditional method of moon sighting. In India, Eid is declared only after the crescent moon is physically sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan. If the moon is not visible, the fasting month completes 30 days, and Eid is celebrated the following day. Religious authorities, including local moon sighting committees, make the final announcement. In contrast, Saudi Arabia also follows moon sighting but often confirms the sighting earlier due to its geographical position and established observation system.