Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, has shared an early prediction about the likely date of Eid ul Fitr in 2026. According to astronomical calculations, Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan may fall on March 21, 2026.
Officials said the prediction is based on detailed analysis of the Shawwal moon cycle. SUPARCO explained that the new moon for Shawwal will be born on March 19 at 6:23 a.m. Pakistan time.
By sunset on the same day, the age of the moon will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes. This young moon will make crescent visibility difficult in many regions.
According to SUPARCO, the time difference between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal areas will be around 28 minutes on March 19. Even with this gap, experts say the chances of spotting the crescent that evening are very low.
Based on these astronomical conditions, SUPARCO expects the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026. If the prediction proves correct, Muslims in Pakistan will celebrate Eid ul Fitr on that date.
However, officials stressed that astronomical forecasts do not replace the traditional moon-sighting process. In Pakistan, the official announcement of Eid depends on the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The committee reviews moon sighting reports from different parts of the country before confirming the start of Shawwal.
Meanwhile, similar predictions have been made by international astronomy centers. The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center in Kuwait also studied the moon cycle for Shawwal 1447 AH.
The center stated that it would be impossible to sight the crescent moon on the evening of March 18, 2026. Experts said the moon will set before sunset across Kuwait and many other regions that day.
According to the center, the birth of the new moon will occur early on March 19. This timing means the crescent cannot be observed on the previous evening.
Based on these calculations, the center expects Ramadan to complete 30 days. As a result, March 20, 2026, may mark Eid ul Fitr in some countries.
Experts say differences in moon sighting practices may lead to varying Eid dates across regions. In Pakistan, however, the final decision will depend on verified moon sightings reported to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
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Astronomical agencies like SUPARCO provide scientific guidance, but the official announcement of Eid remains a religious and national decision.
