When Does Ramadan End And The Celebration Of Eid Start?

Ramadan 2021: When does Ramadan end and the celebration of Eid start?

When does Ramadan finish and when is Eid al-Fitr? Here's everything you need to know

CommentsNewsSaffron Otter Assistant Features Editor16:12, 16 Apr 2021Updated 16:13, 16 Apr 2021

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Ramadan is currently being observed by millions of Muslims around the world.

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The month-long holy period sees them abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.

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The fasting period puts focus on prayer, purification, and charitable acts, and its practice reminds Muslims of the suffering of the poor.

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Ramadan always takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which follows the moon, unlike the Georgian calendar which goes by the sun.

Once the period comes to a close, Muslims can then celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a feast to mark the end of Ramadan.

But when is it expected to end? And when will the celebrations of Eid begin? We take a look:

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When will Ramadan end this year?

The ending of Ramadan varies each year and between countries because it all depends on when you catch sight of the new moon.

This year, Ramadan began at sundown on Monday, April 12, and is expected to end at sundown on Wednesday, May 12.

The period not only marks a time for Muslims to focus on prayer, but it also marks the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, according to their belief.

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When will Eid start?

The final evening of Ramadan consists of a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast.

The celebration means 'festival of the breaking of the fast'.

Eid is often marked with lights, decorations and gifts, with worshippers dressing up and decorating their homes.

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Religious services are able to take place during lockdown, however there are still limits on social gatherings.

Families will be able to mark the celebration in their own homes as mixing indoors is still prohibited until no earlier than May 17.

Gatherings can take place outdoors though including in private gardens under the rule of six - where a maximum of six people can meet or two separate households.

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Eid also starts the month of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar and is a symbol of new life and renewal following the month of Ramadan.

Shawwal is also the time that moon-sighting committees in each country all across the world get together after the sunset prayers in order to see the new moon.

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Eid Mubarak!

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