Blog
Home » Holidays India » Milad un-Nabi

Milad un-Nabi

Milad un-Nabi commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (or Mohammad). It's also known as Nabi Day, Mawlid, Mohammad's Birthday, or the Prophet's Birthday.

Upcoming Dates For Milad un-Nabi

The birthday of Muhammad is celebrated on a different date by the Sunni and Shi'a. The Sunni Muslims celebrate on the 12 of the month of Rabi' al-awwal. The Shi'a celebrate on the 17th of the same month. Whichever date of observation is chosen, there is only one given holiday. Here is a list of the upcoming holidays:

  • Thursday, November 30, 2017
  • Monday, November 19, 2018
  • Saturday, November 9, 2019
  • Wednesday, October 28, 2020
  • Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Where Is Milad un-Nabi Considered a Holiday?

This holiday is celebrated throughout India as a gazette holiday. It is largely celebrated mostly where there is a heavy Muslim populus. In these areas, there are likely to be traffic disruptions during this particularly holiday. In other areas, the celebrations may not cause delays. However, all government offices will be closed for observation. The same with banks and post offices, which will also be closed. Many stores will be closed, especially those that are Islamic-owned. Other shops may be open at normal hours, or offering limited service. There may not be public transportation available in all areas, so it's a good idea to check before heading out.

Festivities & Events During Milad un-Nabi

On this holiday, celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, there are many traditions. Primarily, those who celebrate, gather to remember the teachings. There are discussions held about the Prophet as well. There are night-long prayers held in many areas. During the day, there may be readings of the stories and poems written to commemorate Muhammad's teachings. There are exhibitions of photographed mosques in Mecca and Medina, both located in Saudi Arabia.

Other areas place festive banners on the mosques and other buildings. There are also marches and parades. These draw out many people, who come to participate in cheering and remembrance. It is common that any areas offer a communal meal as well. In Srinagar, there is a shrine containing a hair from Muhammad. Many choose to go and observe the shrine, both on the day of and the day before. Many Muslims dawn the color green to represent Islam and paradise.

A Brief History About Milad un-Nabi

The Eid festival is a celebration of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. This is a very important day for Muslim people.