Markazi Chand Committee, Farangi Mahal
Lucknow's main Sunni moon-sighting authority at Farangi Mahal
Markazi Chand Committee, Farangi Mahal — Taaruf
The Markazi Chand Committee is based at Farangi Mahal in Lucknow, a historic seat of Islamic scholarship in India. It serves as the main Sunni authority for moon sighting in Lucknow and the surrounding Awadh region.
Farangi Mahal's long tradition of learning gives the committee's decisions a strong standing among the city's Sunni Muslims.
Chand Ke Elaan Mein Role
For Sunni Muslims in the city, the Lucknow ruet-e-hilal committee at Farangi Mahal is the body that declares the start of Ramadan and both Eids. Its announcement is the one most local mosques and families follow.
Please note: Lucknow also has a large Shia community with its own separate Chand Committee. Because the two decide independently, the Lucknow chand committee dates for Sunnis and Shias can sometimes differ by a day. If you are following moon sighting in Lucknow, check which community's announcement applies to you.
Elaan Kaise Aur Kab Hota Hai
At Farangi Mahal the ulama assemble on the 29th evening and hear testimony from across Awadh. The Sunni announcement is made here, while Lucknow's Shia Chand Committee decides on its own — which is exactly why the two dates can sometimes fall a day apart.