As Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 approaches, students and parents across India are asking a key question: will schools remain closed on March 20 or March 21? The answer, for now, depends on the sighting of the moon.
Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, follows the Islamic lunar calendar. This means the exact date of the festival is determined only after the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted. In India, the moon is expected to be visible on the evening of March 19, 2026. If the moon is sighted that day, Eid will be celebrated on March 20; otherwise, it will fall on March 21.
Because of this uncertainty, schools and colleges typically wait for official confirmation before announcing holidays. As of now, most institutions are preparing for a closure on either March 20 or March 21, depending on the final announcement.
However, looking at government holiday calendars and past trends, March 21, 2026 (Saturday) is widely listed as the gazetted holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr in many states. This suggests that the majority of schools are likely to remain closed on March 21. Some institutions may also declare a holiday on March 20 if Eid is confirmed earlier or based on local moon sightings.
It’s also important to note that Eid-ul-Fitr is a public holiday in India, meaning schools, colleges, and most offices remain closed on the day of celebration.
In short, while March 21 is the most probable school holiday date, students should keep an eye on official announcements from their respective schools or state education departments, as the final decision hinges on moon sighting confirmation.
