The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released its expected lunar calendar for the year 2026, providing early insights into the likely dates of Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, and other key Islamic months. The forecast has been prepared by the Climate Data Processing Centre to assist with religious, social, and administrative planning across the country.
According to the PMD, the crescent for Sha’ban is expected to appear on January 21, 2026, marking the beginning of the month leading up to Ramadan. The crescent for Ramadan is likely to be sighted on February 18, 2026, which means the first fast may begin around February 19.
Similarly, the crescent for Shawwal, which signals the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid ul Fitr, is expected on March 19, 2026. Following that, the crescent for Dhul Qadah is likely to be visible on April 18, 2026, while Dhul Hijjah, the month of Eid ul Adha, is predicted to begin on May 17, 2026. This places Eid ul Adha around May 27, 2026, subject to official moon sighting.
The Islamic New Year is projected to start with the crescent of Muharram on June 15, 2026, followed by Safar on July 15, Rabi-ul-Awwal on August 13, Rabi-ul-Thani on September 12, Jumada-ul-Awwal on October 12, Jumada-ul-Thania on November 10, and Rajab on December 10, 2026.
The PMD clarified that these are expected dates based on astronomical calculations and are meant to help the public, institutions, and religious committees plan ahead. However, the final confirmation of Islamic months and festivals will depend on the official moon sighting, which is traditionally determined by regional Ruet-e-Hilal committees.
Religious scholars also emphasized that while such forecasts are helpful for organizing community events, travel, and holidays, the actual observance of Ramadan and Eids will only be confirmed after the physical sighting of the moon.
For many citizens and organizations, this advance schedule offers valuable guidance for preparing religious events, vacations, and community programs. The PMD’s annual release of expected lunar dates continues to serve as an important reference for ensuring better coordination across the country.
Expected Key Dates (2026):
- Sha’ban: January 21
- Ramadan: February 18
- Eid ul Fitr: March 19
- Dhul Qadah: April 18
- Eid ul Adha: May 27 (Dhul Hijjah crescent: May 17)
- Muharram: June 15
- Safar: July 15
- Rabi-ul-Awwal: August 13
- Rabi-ul-Thani: September 12
- Jumada-ul-Awwal: October 12
- Jumada-ul-Thania: November 10
- Rajab: December 10
Pakistan’s 2026 lunar forecast thus provides a clear outline of the expected Islamic months and festivals, helping people plan their spiritual and personal schedules well in advance.
