Milad-un-Nabi
31 days until Milad-un-Nabi
About Milad-un-Nabi
Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid or Eid-e-Milad, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Observed with deep devotion across India, the day is commemorated through sermons, prayer gatherings, colourful processions, and widespread acts of charity.
History
The formal observance of Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary developed several centuries after the advent of Islam, gaining official patronage during the Fatimid Caliphate in the tenth century. Over time, Sufi scholars and preachers popularised the tradition across the Middle East and South Asia, framing it as an occasion to express gratitude for the Prophet's life and moral teachings.
In India, Milad-un-Nabi evolved into a vibrant cultural observance closely tied to local Sufi heritage. While Sunni Muslims following traditional and Barelvi schools celebrate on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal, Shia Muslims observe the occasion on the 17th day of the same lunar month, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the sixth Shia Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq.
Traditions & Celebrations
Muslims across India observe Milad-un-Nabi by illuminating mosques, homes, and public squares with green flags, lights, and banners. Believers gather at mosques and community centres for Milad assemblies, where religious leaders deliver sermons on the Prophet's life and poets recite naats (hymns of praise). Major cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Old Delhi host public processions featuring decorated vehicles, banners, and chantings. In Srinagar, thousands assemble at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on Dal Lake, where the sacred relic Moi-e-Muqaddas (believed to be a hair strand of the Prophet) is publicly displayed after morning prayers. Community feasts (langar) and distribution of sweets, food, and clothing to the poor form a central element of the day.
Did you know?
- The color green is widely featured on flags, ribbons, and attire during Milad-un-Nabi because it is traditionally associated with Islam and paradise.
- At the historic Hazratbal Shrine in Kashmir, the holy hair relic known as Moi-e-Muqaddas is specially displayed for public viewing on Milad-un-Nabi.
- Because the Islamic Hijri calendar is lunar, the date of Milad-un-Nabi moves backward by roughly 10 to 11 days every year in the Gregorian calendar.
- While traditional Sunni and Shia groups observe Milad-un-Nabi with public celebrations, followers of the Deobandi and Salafi traditions consider the observance an unprescribed later addition (bid'ah) and refrain from public festivities.
Milad-un-Nabi dates by year
Dates marked as estimated are calculated and will be updated once officially confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milad-un-Nabi a gazetted public holiday in India?
Yes, Milad-un-Nabi (Eid-e-Milad) is a nationwide gazetted holiday in India. Government offices, schools, colleges, and public banks remain closed across the country.
Why does the date of Milad-un-Nabi change every year?
The holiday is calculated using the Islamic lunar calendar month of Rabi' al-Awwal. Since the lunar year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, the holiday falls on a different date each year and depends on local moon sightings.
How do Sunni and Shia Muslims observe the occasion differently?
Sunni Muslims who observe the day mark it on 12 Rabi' al-Awwal, whereas Shia Muslims observe it on 17 Rabi' al-Awwal, celebrating both Prophet Muhammad's birth and the birth of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq.