Eid ul Fitr likely to fall on March 31, says Suparco

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Digital Desk

1 year ago

ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) on Wednesday said Eidul Fitr is likely to fall on March 31 (Monday) as the Shawwal moon was likely to be seen on March 30.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said that the Shawwal moon was likely to occur on March 29.

“Consequently, Ramazan is expected to complete [in] 29 days, and the first day of Eidul Fitr will likely be observed on 31 March 2025,” it said.

As per the precise astronomical models, the new Moon (conjunction) for Shawwal will occur on 29 March 2025 at 3:58 pm, Suparco said.

“The visibility of the crescent depends on key factors such as the moon’s age, its angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions,” read the statement issued by the commission.

Suparco’s prediction is based on scientific assessments, astronomical calculations, and modern observational data concerning the forecast for the visibility of the Shawwal moon.

It further added that the chances of sighting the moon are almost impossible in Saudi Arabia on March 29 as the age of the crescent at the time of sunset in Makkah would be approximately five hours.

The first day of Eid ul Fitr is likely to fall on March 31 in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East — same as Pakistan, it added.

Suparco’s forecast falls in line with that of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which has also predicted that Eid will fall on March 31.

Earlier, the federal government had announced a three-day holiday for Eidul Fitr from March 31 to April 2, according to a notification.

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, along with zonal committees, will convene on the evening of March 30 (Sunday) to sight the moon of Shawwal, marking the potential end of Ramazan.

Digital Desk