In 2026, Muslims in Indonesia and around the world are expected to begin the fasting month of Ramadan around the evening of February 18, with the first day of fasting likely falling on February 19, 2026, depending on the official moon sighting. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijrah calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. The Islamic year consists of twelve lunar months that last 29 or 30 days, making it about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this difference, Ramadan moves earlier each year and gradually cycles through all seasons, completing a full cycle approximately every 33 years.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and other physical indulgences during daylight hours. The fast is intended to deepen spirituality, encourage self-discipline, and strengthen compassion for those less fortunate. Muslims are also encouraged to increase their prayers, charitable acts, and reflection during this sacred month. Each day begins with sahur, the pre-dawn meal eaten before the first prayer of the day, and the fast is broken at sunset with iftar, often shared with family, friends, or the wider community.
When Is Idul Fitri (Lebaran) Celebrated?
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the joyous holiday of Idul Fitri, commonly known in Indonesia as Lebaran. In 2026, Idul Fitri is expected to fall around March 20–21, although the exact dates are determined by the sighting of the new moon marking the beginning of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, Syawal. The Indonesian government officially announces the start and end of Ramadan after a national moon-sighting meeting so that Muslims know when to begin and conclude the fasting month.
Lebaran is one of the most important holidays in Indonesia and is celebrated with special prayers, festive meals, gift giving and family visits. The Arabic meaning of Idul Fitri is often interpreted as “returning to purity” or “becoming holy again,” symbolizing spiritual renewal after a month of devotion and self-discipline. The holiday is celebrated nationwide and is accompanied by several days of public holidays.
Mudik: Indonesia’s Largest Annual Homecoming
In the days leading up to Lebaran, Indonesia experiences one of the world’s largest annual migrations known as mudik. Millions of people leave major cities such as Jakarta to return to their hometowns and villages to celebrate with family members. Travelers often endure long journeys in crowded cars, buses, trains and airplanes, sometimes paying higher prices for tickets. Despite the challenges, mudik remains a deeply cherished tradition, and during the Lebaran period Jakarta’s usually busy streets become surprisingly quiet.
Because of this mass travel, household staff may request one to two weeks of leave during the Lebaran period to visit their families in their hometowns. Employers often arrange schedules so that staff members take leave at different times, ensuring that someone remains available except during the two main days of Idul Fitri. Travel within Indonesia during this period can also be challenging, as transportation is typically booked well in advance.
The Meaning Behind “Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri”
Greeting cards are also widely exchanged during the Lebaran season, although today many people prefer to send digital greetings or text messages through their phones. Traditional Lebaran cards usually feature **geometric designs, mosques, traditional textiles or ketupat motifs, rather than images of people or animals. The greeting most commonly written in these cards is:
“Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri, mohon maaf lahir dan batin.”
This greeting means “Happy Idul Fitri. Please forgive me for any wrongdoings, both physical and emotional, in the past year.”
Traditions Before Idul Fitri in Indonesia
Before Idul Fitri, Muslims in Indonesia usually observe the following traditions:
THR Bonuses
As Lebaran approaches, excitement grows among Muslim friends, colleagues, and staff preparing for the celebration. In Indonesia, employers are required to provide a holiday bonus called Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR) before Lebaran, usually equal to one month’s salary for full-time employees and given a couple of weeks in advance so they can buy clothes, gifts, and festive foods. For staff who have worked less than a year, the bonus may be given on a pro rata basis, though many employers choose to be more generous as a gesture of appreciation
Gift Hampers
It is also common for business associates and companies to send Lebaran gift hampers to colleagues, clients, or friends during the week before the holiday. These hampers are often arranged in decorative baskets made of rattan or wood and may contain cookies, snacks, beverages, or small household items
Zakat Charity
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims increase their charitable giving. One of the key obligations is zakat, a mandatory donation traditionally calculated as 2.5% of one’s accumulated wealth, which is distributed to the poor and those in need. Zakat may be given through charitable organizations, community groups, or directly to individuals in the neighborhood. As a result, there are often more people seeking donations in urban areas during Ramadan.
Shopping Activity
The weeks leading up to Lebaran are also marked by increased shopping activity. Many Muslims buy new clothes for the holiday, and neighborhood organizations or charities often hold pasar amal, or charity markets, where clothing and household goods are sold at discounted prices to help less fortunate families celebrate the holiday with dignity. For wealthier Indonesians, Lebaran is also an opportunity to showcase elegant new Muslim attire for the festive gatherings.
Bedug Drums
During Ramadan, the sound of bedug drums can often be heard at sunset from mosques across Indonesia, signaling the time for the maghrib prayer and the breaking of the fast. On the final evening of Ramadan, the atmosphere becomes especially festive with takbiran, a night of prayer and celebration marking the arrival of Idul Fitri. Takbiran may take place in mosques or through lively parades that continue throughout the night.
Traditions During Idul Fitri in Indonesia
Meanwhile, on Idul Fitri day, the following traditions are observed by Muslims across Indonesia
Idul Fitri Prayers and Family Visits
Idul Fitri begins early in the morning with mass prayer gatherings held in mosques and large open spaces across Indonesia. After the prayers, people visit neighbors and relatives to exchange greetings and ask forgiveness. Many families also visit the graves of deceased relatives to clean the graves and place flowers as a sign of respect.
Throughout the day and often for several days afterward, families continue visiting one another’s homes. People usually wear new clothes, and guests are served drinks, snacks, and traditional Lebaran cookies. Lebaran is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, when people sincerely ask forgiveness for any mistakes from the past year by saying “mohon maaf lahir dan batin.” In many traditional Javanese families, younger members kneel and bow their heads toward elders as a gesture of respect while asking for forgiveness
Traditional Lebaran Dishes and Festive Foods
Special dishes are also an essential part of the celebration. One of the most iconic foods served during Lebaran is ketupat, compressed rice cooked inside intricately woven palm leaf casings made from young coconut fronds. These woven casings are sold in traditional markets and filled with uncooked rice before being boiled or steamed. Once cooked, the ketupat is removed from its casing and cut into small pieces. It is typically served with dishes such as opor ayam (mild chicken curry), rendang, sambal goreng, and vegetables cooked in coconut milk.
Are There Traditions After Lebaran?
In the weeks following Lebaran, many workplaces, community groups, and organizations host gatherings known as halal bihalal. During these events, colleagues and friends share a meal and formally ask each other’s forgiveness. These gatherings are often inclusive, and non-Muslim friends and colleagues are usually invited to join in the celebration.
Lebaran remains one of the most meaningful and joyful religious celebrations in Indonesia, a time of spiritual renewal, family connection, generosity and forgiveness that millions of people look forward to each year with great anticipation.
What has been your experience of this very special religious festival in Indonesia? Do share in the comments below…
