Eid al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر, "festival of breaking the fast") marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. It is one of the two major Islamic holidays observed worldwide, the other being Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr was instituted by Prophet Muhammad after the migration to Medina in 622 CE. It celebrates the discipline, charity, and self-reflection developed during Ramadan. The date follows the lunar Islamic (Hijri) calendar, so it moves earlier by about 11 days each Gregorian year. Eid al-Fitr 2026 falls around March 20; 2027 around March 9; 2028 around February 26.
The day begins with the special Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) at the mosque or in open prayer grounds, ideally before sunrise. Worshippers wear new clothes, give Zakat al-Fitr (a charitable donation enabling the poor to celebrate), visit family members in order of seniority, and forgive past disputes. In Indonesia and Malaysia, "Halal bi-Halal" gatherings emphasize forgiveness. Mudik (homecoming) creates the world's largest annual human migration in Indonesia.
Ketupat (rice cake), rendang, opor ayam, lontong sayur in Indonesia and Malaysia. Maamoul (date cookies) and kahk in the Levant and Egypt. Sheer khurma (vermicelli pudding) in South Asia. Lemang and dodol in Brunei. Date palms are eaten to begin the fast-break, symbolizing the Prophet's practice.
"Eid Mubarak" (Blessed festival) · "Selamat Idul Fitri" · "Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin" (Indonesian: I ask forgiveness in body and soul) · "تقبل الله منا ومنكم" (Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum — May God accept from us and from you)
Eid is typically a 1-3 day public holiday in Muslim-majority countries, but offices often close longer with optional "cuti bersama" (joint leave) days. Public transport is packed; book early. Many shops close on day 1; tourist services reopen on day 2 or 3. In Saudi Arabia, the holiday is celebrated with extended royal decrees that can extend to 10+ days.