**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Global Celebrations Underway as Millions Mark Eid al-Fitr 2026**
**GENEVA, Switzerland — 20 March 2026** — Millions of Muslims across the globe are observing Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. The festivities, which commenced at sunset on Thursday, are expected to continue through Sunday, depending on lunar sighting confirmations by national religious authorities.
**What:** The celebration of Eid al-Fitr, translating to the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," follows a month of daily fasting from dawn to sunset. Observances include communal prayers, charitable giving (Zakat al-Fitr), feasting, and the exchange of greetings.
**Who:** The global Muslim population, estimated at over 1.8 billion individuals, is participating in religious and cultural ceremonies. Concurrently, heads of state, international organizations, and interfaith groups are issuing official congratulatory messages.
**Where:** Major congregational prayers are being held in stadiums, mosques, and open-air prayer grounds in key Islamic centers, including Mecca, Medina, Jakarta, Cairo, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur. In non-Muslim majority nations, community centers and designated public parks are hosting gatherings.
**When:** The commencement of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, was officially declared following the confirmed sighting of the new crescent moon on the evening of Thursday, 19 March 2026. This established Friday, 20 March, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr for the majority of observing nations.
**Why:** Eid al-Fitr serves as a day of thanksgiving and spiritual renewal, celebrating the successful completion of Ramadan, a period of heightened devotion, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need.
**How:** The day is typically initiated with a specific Salat al-Eid prayer, followed by a sermon (Khutbah). Social customs involve visiting family and friends, donning