Shia communities in Madhya Pradesh will not celebrate Eid following the death of Ali Khamenei during the Iran–Iraq conflict.

Shia families in Madhya Pradesh will observe a subdued Eid al-Fitr this year to honour Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a strike carried out by Israel and the United States, a community leader said on Sunday (March 15, 2026).

“All India Shia Samaj” State president Iftikhar Ali said the community would mark the festival quietly. Speaking to PTI from Burhanpur, he said, “It will be a silent Eid for us this year.” The death of the 86-year-old Iranian leader was announced by Iranian state television on March 1 after the reported attack.

Around 4,000 Shia families in the State to mark Eid quietly, offering only namaz in mourning.

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According to him, nearly 4,000 Shia families live across Madhya Pradesh. “Out of grief over Khamenei’s death, we will not buy or wear new clothes or celebrate the festival in the usual manner. We will only offer namaz,” he said.

Ali added that the community does not plan to hold protests but will instead observe the festival in a sombre manner once the crescent moon is sighted, likely on March 20 or March 21.

The Shia population in the state is mainly concentrated in cities such as Bhopal, Jabalpur, Indore, Vidisha, Ujjain, Burhanpur, Itarsi in Narmadapuram district, and Jaora in Ratlam district.

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan and is one of the most significant festivals in Islam. The day typically begins with a special congregational prayer, after which people visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and share festive meals.

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