Editorial photo #13720648 Human Interest

Dhul-Hijjah Crescent Moon Sighted In Kashmir

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah rises over Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on May 18, 2026. The sighting of the moon signals the commencement of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The month is closely associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and culminates with Eid al-Adha, the ''Festival of Sacrifice.'' The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooq, announces that Eid al-Adha will be observed across Jammu and Kashmir on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)