India’s vibrant cultural tapestry includes a rich celebration of Islamic festivals, observed by millions of Muslims across the country. These holidays, rooted in the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar, shift annually on the Gregorian calendar, making 2025 an exciting year to explore their dates and traditions.
From the spiritual fasting of Ramadan to the joyous feasts of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, this guide covers all major Islamic festivals in India for 2025, complete with estimated dates, significance, and how they’re celebrated.
Understanding the Islamic Hijri Calendar
The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, is lunar-based, consisting of 12 months and approximately 354 days—shorter than the 365-day Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic festival dates to shift by about 10–11 days each year. Dates for 2025 are estimates based on moon sightings, a traditional practice in India to confirm the start of each month. Let’s dive into the key Islamic holidays for 2025!
Major Islamic Festivals in India 2025
Here’s a detailed list of Islamic festivals and holidays in India for 2025, including Hijri dates, Gregorian dates, and their significance.
| Festival/Event | Hijri Date | Day & Gregorian Date | Significance & Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning of Rajab | 1 Rajab 1446 | Wednesday, 1 January 2025 | Marks the start of Rajab, a sacred month. Muslims engage in extra prayers and reflection. |
| Isra Mi’raj | 27 Rajab 1446 | Monday, 27 January 2025 | Commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s night journey to Jerusalem and ascension. Night prayers are common. |
| Beginning of Sha’ban | 1 Sha’ban 1446 | Friday, 31 January 2025 | Preparation month for Ramadan; some fast or increase worship. |
| Shab-e-Barat (Half Sha’ban) | 15 Sha’ban 1446 | Friday, 14 February 2025 | Night of forgiveness; Muslims pray, visit graves, and seek blessings. |
| Beginning of Ramadan | 1 Ramadan 1446 | Saturday, 1 March 2025 | Start of the fasting month; a time for spiritual growth, charity, and community Iftar meals. |
| Nuzul-ul-Quran | 17 Ramadan 1446 | Monday, 17 March 2025 | Celebrates the Quran’s revelation; marked by recitations and prayers. |
| Laylat-ul-Qadr | 27 Ramadan 1446 | Thursday, 27 March 2025 | The Night of Power; believed to be when the Quran was fully revealed. Intense worship occurs. |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 1 Shawwal 1446 | Monday, 31 March 2025 | End of Ramadan; celebrated with prayers, feasts, and giving Eidi (gifts) to children. |
| Beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah | 1 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 | Wednesday, 28 May 2025 | Start of the Hajj month; preparations begin for pilgrimage and Eid-ul-Adha. |
| Waqf in Arafah (Hajj) | 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 | Thursday, 5 June 2025 | Pinnacle of Hajj; pilgrims stand in prayer at Arafah, while others fast or pray in India. |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 | Friday, 6 June 2025 | Festival of Sacrifice; includes Qurbani (sacrifice) and sharing meat with the poor. |
| Beginning of Muharram | 1 Muharram 1447 | Thursday, 26 June 2025 | Islamic New Year; Shia mourn Imam Hussain, while Sunnis may fast on Ashura (10th day). |
| Ashura | 10 Muharram 1447 | Saturday, 5 July 2025 | Day of fasting (Sunni) or mourning (Shia) for Imam Hussain’s martyrdom at Karbala. |
| Eid-ul-Milad (Milad-un-Nabi) | 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 | Friday, 15 September 2025 | Prophet Muhammad’s birthday; celebrated with processions, poetry, and charity. |
Note: Dates are approximate and depend on moon sighting. Check local announcements closer to 2025 for confirmation.
Key Islamic Festivals: Significance and Celebrations in India
Ramadan 2025: The Month of Fasting
- When: Starts March 1, 2025
- What: A 29–30 day period of fasting from dawn to dusk, prayer, and charity.
- How India Celebrates: Mosques host Taraweeh prayers, families gather for Iftar, and markets like Delhi’s Jama Masjid area buzz with food stalls.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025: The Festival of Breaking the Fast
- When: March 31, 2025
- What: Marks the end of Ramadan with communal joy.
- How India Celebrates: Special prayers at mosques like Mumbai’s Haji Ali, followed by feasts featuring sheer khurma and gift exchanges.
Eid-ul-Adha 2025: The Festival of Sacrifice
- When: June 6, 2025
- What: Honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice for Allah.
- How India Celebrates: Qurbani is performed, meat is shared with the poor, and prayers are held nationwide.
Muharram 2025: Islamic New Year and Ashura
- When: Starts June 26, 2025; Ashura on July 5
- What: New Year and a time of mourning (Shia) or fasting (Sunni).
- How India Celebrates: Processions in cities like Lucknow, mourning rituals, and fasting on Ashura.
Milad-un-Nabi 2025: Prophet’s Birthday
- When: September 15, 2025
- What: Celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birth.
- How India Celebrates: Recitations at Kashmir’s Hazratbal Shrine, processions, and charity drives.
Mosque illuminated for Milad-un-Nabi 2025 in India.
How India Celebrates Islamic Festivals
Islamic holidays in India blend faith with local flavors. From Hyderabad’s haleem during Ramadan to Kolkata’s festive Eid bazaars, each region adds its unique touch. Mosques play a central role, hosting prayers and community events, while charity strengthens social bonds, reflecting India’s ethos of unity in diversity.
Plan Ahead for Islamic Holidays 2025
- Moon Sighting: Confirm dates closer to 2025 via local mosques or Islamic organizations.
- Public Holidays: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are likely to be national holidays in India.
- Preparation Tips: Stock up for Ramadan, plan Hajj travel, or join community events.