New Delhi: As the holy month of Ramadan enters its final stages, millions of Muslims across India are preparing for Alvida Jumma, also known as Jumat-ul-Vida. This "Farewell Friday" marks a poignant moment in the Islamic calendar, signaling the imminent end of the month-long fast and the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

However, a lunar debate is currently surrounding the exact date of this significant day. Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, Alvida Jumma in 2026 will fall on either March 13 or March 20.

When is Alvida Jumma 2026? 

The date for Alvida Jumma is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. Because Ramadan can last for either 29 or 30 days, the "last Friday" remains subject to moon sighting:

Scenario 1: March 13 (23rd Roza)

Most Islamic calendars currently point to Friday, March 13, 2026, as the primary date for Alvida Jumma. This falls on the 23rd day of fasting. If the Shawwal moon is sighted on the evening of March 19, Ramadan will end after 29 days, solidifying March 13 as the final Friday.

Scenario 2: March 20 (30th Roza)

If the moon is not sighted on March 19, Ramadan will complete a full 30-day cycle. In this case, March 20 would become the final Friday of the holy month. To avoid missing the spiritual rewards, many devotees will observe special prayers on March 13 and, if the month extends, repeat the observance on March 20.

What is Alvida Jumma?

Alvida Jumma (translated as "Friday of Farewell") is considered the second holiest day of Ramadan, following Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Power). It serves as a spiritual "final sprint" for believers to maximise their rewards before the month concludes.

Key traditions observed on this day include:

Mosques like Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid, and Lucknow’s Asafi Imambara see record turnouts for the afternoon (Zohr) prayers

It is highly recommended to perform acts of charity on this day to ensure the underprivileged can celebrate the upcoming Eid festival

Believers offer special Dua (supplications) for the forgiveness of sins and the prosperity of the Ummah (global community).

Prayer timings

Across major Indian cities, the special congregational prayers are typically held between 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm.