Eid ul Fitr 2019: Crescent Moon sighted, Eid to be celebrated today

The Executive members of Ruyat-E-Hilaal Committee, Karnataka has announced that the committee has declared the -Sighting of moon, which means that the Eid ul Fitr 2019 will be celebrated on June 5. The Markazi Chand Committee has also announced the sighting of the moon in Lucknow. The same has been announced for the national capital as well. 

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE started Eid on Tuesday, whereas Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan and Australia and others won't start till Wednesday.

Every year, the dates of Ramadan and Eid change as the Muslim calendar – which began when Prophet Mohammad migrated from Mecca to Medina (also known as Hijr) in 622 AD – is based on the phases of the moon.

Eid al-Fitr means "festival of breaking the fast" and marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in all Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of vacation days varies by country.

The markets in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Kashmir valley wore a festive look as people began shopping for Eid-ul-Fitr which will be celebrated on June 5 to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Bakeries, confectioneries and toy shops witnessed heavy rush of customers as Muslims began the preparation for the Eid festival at the end month-long fasting.

Shops selling readymade garments, clothes and shoes, besides mutton and chicken, were found doing brisk business.

Road leading to various markets witnessed massive traffic jams as people thronged them for shopping. Markets like Gonikhan and Nowhatta, which are popular for women and children items, were jam-packed since the morning.

The roadside vendors have also set up stalls at Lal Chowk and in adjoining areas selling all kinds of merchandise. Serpentine queues were witnessed at ATM outlets and banks.

The fasting month will end on Tuesday or day after depending on the sighting of the moon.