Eid al-Fitr — the "Festival of Breaking the Fast" — is one of the two major holidays in Islam, marking the joyful end of the holy month of Ramadan. In 2026 it begins around 20 March (subject to the moon sighting). Here's what Eid al-Fitr means and how it's celebrated.
For dates in each country, see our Eid al-Fitr 2026 dates by country guide, or the Eid al-Fitr holiday page.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) means "Festival of Breaking the Fast." It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, and marks the end of a month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. It's a time of gratitude, joy, forgiveness and community — often a public holiday lasting one to three days in Muslim-majority countries.
Because it depends on the sighting of the new moon, the exact date can vary by a day between countries.
How Eid al-Fitr is celebrated
- Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid): a special congregational prayer held in the morning, often in large open grounds or mosques.
- Zakat al-Fitr: a charitable donation given before the Eid prayer, so that the poor can also celebrate — a required act of the day.
- New clothes and feasting: people dress in their best, visit family and friends, and share festive meals and sweets.
- Forgiveness and visiting: elders are visited first; old disputes are set aside. In Indonesia and Malaysia, gatherings emphasise mutual forgiveness ("Halal bi-Halal").
"Eid Mubarak" and other greetings
The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" — meaning "Blessed Eid" or "Have a blessed festival." Other greetings include:
- "Eid Saeed" — "Happy Eid"
- "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" — "May God accept [it] from us and from you"
- "Selamat Idul Fitri / Selamat Hari Raya" — used across Indonesia and Malaysia
Eid al-Fitr vs Eid al-Adha
There are two Eids in the Islamic year, and they're often confused:
| Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha | |
|---|---|---|
| Marks | End of Ramadan | End of the Hajj pilgrimage |
| Timing | 1 Shawwal | ~2 months later (10 Dhul-Hijjah) |
| Theme | Breaking the fast, gratitude | Sacrifice (story of Ibrahim) |
See Eid al-Adha 2026 for the second festival.
Quick answers
What is Eid al-Fitr? The Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, charity, feasting and family visits.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? It begins around 20 March 2026, depending on the local moon sighting.
What does "Eid Mubarak" mean? "Blessed Eid" — the standard greeting wishing someone a blessed festival.
What is the difference between the two Eids? Eid al-Fitr ends Ramadan; Eid al-Adha (about two months later) marks the Hajj pilgrimage and the story of Ibrahim's sacrifice.