New Delhi, June 2: Muslims in India, except in Kerala and Udupi and Dakshin Kannada districts of Karnataka, will celebrate Eid or Eid al-Fitr on June 5 if the moon is sighted on June 4. Hilal Committees that make a final announcement on the sighting of the moon every month will convene on Tuesday, June 3, in major cities of India. In Kerala and Udupi and Dakshin Kannada districts of Karnataka, Muslims will attempt to sight the crescent moon on June 3 because Ramazan began a day earlier there.

The sighting of the moon marks the beginning of Eid celebration as well as the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting – Ramzan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal. Under the Islamic lunar calendar, a new month begins upon the sighting of a crescent moon on the 29th day of the ongoing month. If the moon is not sighted, the month completes 30 days and a new month begins the next day. Eid Moon Sighting 2019: Saudi Arabia Calls Muslims to Sight Crescent of Shawwal Month Tomorrow; Know Likely Date of Eid al-Fitr in KSA.

If the moon is sighted on June 4, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on June 5. If the moon is not sighted, Ramzan month will complete 30 days and Eid will be celebrated on June 6. Hilal Committees in major cities will gather and try to sight the crescent moon. Anybody who sights the moon and approach the Hilal Committee in his/her respective area and testify before them. An announcement about the sighting of the moon will also be made from mosques. Eid Moon Sighting 2019: ‘How to Sight The Eid Moon’ And Other Questions Related to Hilal Crescent.

As part of Eid celebrations, Muslims offer a special prayer in open areas like fields, community centres, etc. or at mosques. Revellers visit homes of their relatives and friends and special sweet dishes are relished.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 02, 2019 10:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).