Tonight, the buzz of anticipation will sweep through Glasgow's Muslim communities as Chand Raat — the Night of the Moon — ushers in Eid al-Fitr. After a month of fasting, reflection, and togetherness during Ramadan, thousands of Glaswegians are preparing to greet one another with a heartfelt "Eid Mubarak" when celebrations begin on Friday morning.

Glasgow Central Mosque confirmed that Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday, March 20, following the moon-sighting process that determines the end of Ramadan each year. The UAE moon-sighting committee met on Wednesday and, after the Shawwal crescent was not sighted, declared Eid for Thursday in only a handful of countries — with Glasgow and the rest of the UK marking the occasion a day later.

Chand Raat tonight

The celebrations are already underway. Today, a Chand Raat event at Foodasia Hypermart on Centre Street runs from 2pm until 11pm, offering clothes, jewellery, food, desserts, and mehndi as families make their final preparations for the big day. Chand Raat, which translates as "Night of the Moon," is a beloved tradition across South Asian communities, where markets stay open late and women have their hands decorated with intricate henna designs.

Eid prayers across the city

On Friday morning, mosques across Glasgow and surrounding areas will open their doors for Eid prayers, many offering multiple prayer times to welcome as many worshippers as possible.

Glasgow Central Mosque will hold prayers at 6:45am, 8:15am, 9:30am, and 11:00am. Across the city and beyond, dozens of mosques are hosting Eid salah, including Masjid-E-Khazra on Butterbiggins Road (6:45am, 8am, 10:30am), Al Furqan Mosque (8am, 8:45am, 9:30am, 10:15am), and the Islamic Academy of Scotland on Maxwell Drive (8am, 10am).

Congregations in Cumbernauld, Newton Mearns, Hamilton, Falkirk, and even Clydebank's Central Masjid Abu Bakr on Dumbarton Road are also holding morning prayers — a testament to the breadth of Glasgow's Muslim community across the region.

Community events and gatherings

The Turkish Intercultural Society in Scotland is hosting an Eid al-Fitr Celebration and Breakfast on Friday morning from 8:30am to 10:30am at Lesser Hall, 36 Glenfarg Street, Glasgow. "Eid Mubarak!" the society wrote on social media. "Join us for a joyful morning of togetherness."

Later in the weekend, The Muslim Mamas – Glasgow are organising an Eid One-Dish Picnic at Rouken Glen Park on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm — a lovely way to keep the celebrations going in one of the south side's most beautiful green spaces. Bring a dish and everything else is provided.

And at Mosspark Primary School, the parent council is hosting an Eid bake sale on Thursday, March 26, welcoming home baking and shop-bought cakes from families across the school community. It's a small but meaningful gesture of the way Eid celebrations ripple outward, connecting neighbours and classmates of all backgrounds.

A city that celebrates together

Glasgow has long been home to one of Scotland's largest and most vibrant Muslim communities, and Eid al-Fitr is one of the moments when that diversity shines brightest. From the early morning prayers echoing through the Central Mosque to the laughter of children in new clothes visiting family and friends, Friday promises to be a day of joy, gratitude, and connection across the city.

Eid Mubarak, Glasgow.