Bari Khushkhabri! The Government of Pakistan has officially announced a Two-Day Eid Al-Fitr Holiday on March 20 and 21, 2026, on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, providing a massive relief to millions of citizens planning their festive travels. According to the formal notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved these dates to ensure everyone can celebrate the end of Ramadan with their loved ones and families.
If you are a government employee or a private sector worker, this is the most awaited financial and holiday update for March don’t wait for the last minute to plan your Eid festivities. Read this complete guide to understand the SUPARCO moon sighting predictions and check the official Cabinet Division notification today!
Quick Overview
| Information Category | Official Details |
| Holiday Dates | March 20 & 21, 2026 |
| Occasion | Eid-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| Approved By | Prime Minister of Pakistan |
| Official Portal | cabinet.gov.pk |
| Notification Status | Issued & Confirmed |
What is the Official Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday Notification 2026?
The Cabinet Division of Pakistan has officially released the schedule for the Two-Day Eid Al-Fitr Holiday. In a circular distributed to all federal departments, the government has declared Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, as public holidays. This decision aims to provide citizens with enough time to prepare for the festival, which marks the completion of the holy month of fasting. While the holidays are fixed for these two days, many employees are looking forward to a long weekend, as Sunday follows immediately. This early announcement helps in managing the holiday rush at bus terminals and railway stations across the country.
Who will Observe the Eid-ul-Fitr Public Holidays?
The government’s notification applies to all federal and provincial government offices, including autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies. Here is the breakdown of who can enjoy these Two-Day Eid Al-Fitr Holiday:
- Government Departments: All federal and provincial ministries and secretariats will remain closed.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities will observe the holidays on March 20-21.
- Banking Sector: All commercial and private banks will remain closed as per State Bank guidelines.
- Private Companies: Most private organizations follow the federal notification for religious festivals.
- Essential Services: Note that emergency staff in hospitals and security agencies will remain on duty.
SUPARCO Moon Sighting and Astronomical Data
| Event Description | Estimated Timing/Date |
| Moon Birth Time | March 19 (12h 41m Age) |
| Sunset Interval | 28 Minutes (Coastal Belt) |
| Sighting Probability | Very Low on March 19 |
| Expected 1st Eid | March 21, 2026 |
| Final Decision By | Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee |
How to Check the Official Eid Holiday Notification?
To avoid confusion and rely only on authentic information, citizens should check the official government portals. Follow these steps to verify the holiday status:
- Visit the official Cabinet Division portal at cabinet.gov.pk.
- Navigate to the “Notifications” or “Circulars” section on the home page.
- Look for the document titled “Public Holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2026.”
- Download the PDF file to keep as a reference for your office or school.
- Always confirm with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s final announcement on the evening of March 19.
SUPARCO’s Prediction and the Role of Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, has shared crucial astronomical data regarding the Shawwal crescent. According to their reports, the age of the new moon on the evening of March 19 will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, which makes it scientifically difficult to spot with the naked eye. Consequently, SUPARCO predicts that the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr will likely fall on March 21. However, the final religious and legal authority remains with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will meet on the evening of March 19 to collect testimonies from across Pakistan before making the official declaration.
Importance of Eid-ul-Fitr and National Celebrations
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals for Muslims worldwide, celebrated with great religious fervor in Pakistan. After 29 or 30 days of fasting, the day begins with special Eid prayers in mosques and open grounds. Families traditionally visit relatives, exchange gifts, and cook special sweet dishes like ‘Sheer Khurma.’ The government’s decision to provide a two-day break allows people living in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to travel back to their hometowns to share this joyous occasion with their elders and children.
(FAQs)
Q1: Will there be a Two-Day Eid Al-Fitr Holiday on March 22 as well?
March 22 falls on a Sunday, which is already a weekly off for most departments, effectively giving a 3-day break.
Q2: Can the Two-Day Eid Al-Fitr Holiday change after the moon is sighted?
The government notification for March 20-21 is final, regardless of whether Eid falls on Friday or Saturday.
Q3: Are private banks closed during these holidays?
Yes, all commercial and private banks across Pakistan will remain closed on March 20 and 21.
Q4: When will the final moon sighting announcement be made?
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final announcement on the evening of March 19, 2026.