Houston witnessed a rare and intriguing phenomenon this year: two Eid celebrations, two Chand Raat festivities, and a community divided between fasting and feasting. While some gathered for moonlit Chand Raat shopping and henna application, others prepared for another sehri, continuing their Ramadan fast.

The debate over moon sighting is nothing new, but this year, it became even more pronounced. On Sunday night, when many were celebrating their first Eid day, the moon appeared much bigger and clearer—an undeniable sign that Sunday was indeed the natural choice for Eid. Yet, different interpretations and traditions led to two separate celebrations across the city.

Houston’s vibrant and diverse Muslim community showcased both unity and division. Malls were packed on both Saturday and Sunday nights, with late-night mehndi artists working tirelessly, while halal restaurants served both Eid feasts and pre-dawn meals for those still fasting. Social media was flooded with greetings, but also with friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) debates over which day was truly Eid.

For some, the split celebrations were a source of joy—two days of festivities, double the sweets, and extra family gatherings. For others, it was a moment of reflection, questioning why such divisions persist despite modern technology and astronomical calculations.

At the heart of it all, Houston’s Muslim community once again proved its resilience and diversity. Whether celebrating on Sunday or Monday, the spirit of Eid—unity, gratitude, and generosity—remained intact. After all, as one local put it, “Two Eids just mean twice the blessings!”