The likelihood of sighting the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan remained slim across much of South Asia on Thursday, as unfavorable weather conditions and limited lunar visibility posed significant challenges for observers.
In India, astronomers and weather observers estimated only a marginal chance — roughly 5 percent — of sighting the new moon. Persistent cloud cover, combined with faint crescent illumination and poor timing relative to sunset, made visibility unlikely across most regions. Religious authorities were expected to make a formal announcement regarding Eid shortly after Maghrib prayers.
Conditions in Pakistan appeared only slightly more favorable, with an estimated 20 percent chance of moon sighting. Even there, visibility remained constrained. In Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan, the chances were described as highly unlikely, while only a faint possibility existed in parts of Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Experts noted that the moon would remain above the horizon for approximately 30 minutes after sunset — a narrow window that, under ideal conditions, might allow sighting with optical assistance such as binoculars or telescopes. However, naked-eye visibility was expected to remain extremely difficult. Any official declaration of Eid in Pakistan was likely to be delayed by several hours as authorities verify reports from different regions.
In Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, dense cloud cover further reduced the chances of sighting the crescent. Observers across the region reported overcast skies, effectively ruling out visibility.
The sighting of the moon, which determines the timing of Eid al-Fitr, remains both a religious and cultural moment of significance for millions. Yet, as has often been the case, weather and astronomical constraints continue to shape the final decision.
Officials and religious bodies across the region were expected to issue formal announcements later in the evening, bringing clarity to the end of the holy month.
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