Malaysia has officially announced that Hari Raya Haji 2026, also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha or Eid al-Adha, will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The official declaration came after the nationwide sighting of the Zulhijjah crescent moon and was broadcast live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). The announcement was delivered by Muhammad Affendi Jalaludin, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Conference of Rulers.
Authorities also confirmed that 1 Zulhijjah 1447H falls on May 18, 2026, officially marking the beginning of the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Malaysia Confirms Aidiladha Date Through Moon Sighting
Malaysia follows a combination of rukyah (crescent moon sighting) and hisab (astronomical calculations) to determine major Islamic dates each year.
The official moon sighting process was conducted across several designated observation locations nationwide before the final announcement was made. The confirmation now allows Muslims throughout the country to prepare for one of the most important Islamic celebrations of the year.
Hari Raya Haji falls on the 10th day of Zulhijjah and commemorates the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. The celebration also coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.
Regional Celebrations Aligned Across Southeast Asia
Indonesia and Singapore have also confirmed that Hari Raya Aidiladha 2026 will be celebrated on May 27, 2026, creating a synchronized festive period across much of Southeast Asia.
The alignment is expected to benefit regional travel and tourism, especially between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, as many travelers take advantage of the long public holiday period for family visits and short getaways.
Meanwhile, Thailand is expected to celebrate Aidiladha a day later on May 28 after reports indicated that the crescent moon was not sighted during the country’s official observation process.
Millions Expected to Travel During the Festive Holiday
Hari Raya Haji is a nationwide public holiday in Malaysia and is widely observed through special mosque prayers, family gatherings and korban (sacrificial rituals).
Every year, millions of Malaysians travel back to their hometowns during the festive period, leading to increased traffic on highways, busy airports and crowded public transportation hubs.
Hotels, tourist attractions and shopping centers across the country are also expected to experience higher visitor numbers as domestic and regional tourism activity rises during the holiday week.
Cultural and Religious Importance of Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Aidiladha is one of the two major Islamic celebrations observed in Malaysia. The festival emphasizes values such as faith, sacrifice, generosity and community unity.
Many mosques and Islamic organizations organize korban ceremonies where meat from sacrificed animals is distributed to families, communities and those in need. The celebration also reflects the spirit of charity and compassion that is central to Islamic teachings.
Across Malaysia, families traditionally gather for festive meals featuring dishes such as ketupat, rendang, satay and various traditional desserts.
Travel and Tourism Expected to Increase
With Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia celebrating on the same day, tourism operators expect increased cross-border movement throughout the region.
Popular destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang and Langkawi are expected to attract both local and international visitors during the festive holiday period.
Travelers are encouraged to book flights, accommodations and transport early due to the expected holiday rush.
