The Saudi Arabian government has officially announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, setting June 6, 2025, as the date for this year's Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

According to a statement from the Saudi Supreme Court on Tuesday, the annual Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 4, with the day of Arafah falling on June 5, as reported by Arab News.

Muslims worldwide who are not performing the pilgrimage this year will celebrate Eid-el-Kabir on June 6, following the traditional observance of celebrating the festival a day after the Arafah gathering.

The Kingdom had earlier instructed citizens to look out for the crescent moon on Tuesday — Dhu Al-Qa'dah 29 — and report any sightings as soon as possible to their nearest court.

In preparation for the celebration, Saudi Arabia has announced a weeklong Eid holiday for both public and private sector workers, allowing citizens adequate time for festivities and family gatherings.

Following this announcement, the Nigerian government is expected to declare June 6 as a public holiday to mark Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Sallah, which is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated in Nigeria.

Eid-el-Kabir, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command, before a ram was provided as a replacement.

Meanwhile, thousands of Nigerian pilgrims have already been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, with the National Hajj Commission reporting that approximately 79% of Nigerian pilgrims have arrived in the Holy Land.