ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is gearing up for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, with astronomical experts predicting the festive occasion will likely fall on Saturday, March 21. In anticipation of the celebrations, the federal government has officially notified a four-day public holiday for all government employees.
Official Eid Holiday Schedule
According to the government notification, the holiday break will span from Friday to Monday, giving citizens a long weekend to celebrate with their families:
- Start Date: Friday, March 20
- End Date: Monday, March 23
- Resumption of Work: Tuesday, March 24
Moon Sighting Details: Why March 21?
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Thursday, March 19, to sight the Shawwal crescent. However, meteorological experts suggest the moon is unlikely to be visible that evening.
The Science Behind the Prediction
Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department, Anjum Nazir, explained the technical reasons why a 30-day Ramadan is probable this year:
- Birth of the Moon: The new moon will be born at 6:23 AM on March 19.
- Age of the Moon: By sunset on the 19th, the moon will be approximately 12 hours old.
- Visibility Threshold: For a crescent to be visible to the naked eye, it typically needs to be at least 14 to 15 hours old at sunset.
“Based on astronomical principles, the chances of sighting the moon on March 19 are very slim,” stated Nazir. “It is highly probable that the moon will be sighted on March 20, making Eid-ul-Fitr fall on March 21.”
What to Expect Next
While the scientific data points to Saturday, the final and official announcement will be made by the Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after receiving testimonies from across the country on Thursday evening.
If the moon is not sighted on the 19th, Friday (March 20) will be the 30th of Ramadan, and Saturday (March 21) will mark the 1st of Shawwal.
