Eid Milad-un-Nabi marks the birth and death of Prophet Mohammad. The day is observed around the world by the followers of Islam. The day falls in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal and will be celebrated on October 19 this year. In India, Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2021 is a gazetted holiday.

What Do People Do?

Those who observe Milad-un-Nabi gatherings remember, discuss and celebrate the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth and his teachings. Some people send Milad-un-Nabi e-cards to friends and family. Many Sunni Muslims celebrate this event on the 12th of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal, while the Shi’a community celebrates it on the 17th of Rabi’ al-awwal.

Many activities include:

  • Night-long prayer meetings.
  • Marches and parades involving large crowds.
  • Sandal rites over the symbolic footprints of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Festive banners and bunting on and in homes, mosques and other buildings.
  • Communal meals in mosques and other community buildings.
  • Meetings to listen to stories and poems (nats) about Mohammad’s life, deeds and teachings.
  • Exhibitions featuring photos of mosques in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Many people carry green flags or banners or wear green ribbons or items of clothing when taking part in these events. The color green represents Islam and paradise. Many Kashmiri Muslims gather at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, which is in the Indian province of Jammu and Kashmir. It houses a hair that is believed to have come from the Prophet Mohammad. Thousands of people attend prayers at the shrine on the night before Milad un-Nabi. The relic is displayed in the mosque after the morning prayers. It was paraded through the town in previous years.

Public Life

Milad un-Nabi is a gazetted holiday in India so government offices, post offices and banks are closed on the day. Islamic stores, businesses and other organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Those wishing to use public transport on the day may need to contact the local transport authorities to check on timetables.

Large prayer meetings, parades and marches may cause local disruption to traffic. This is particularly true of areas of India with a predominantly Muslim population.

Background

This Eid festival commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s (or Mohammad) birth and celebrates his teachings.

About Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad in Other Countries

Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Observances

Holiday currently only shown for years 2005–2025.

Note: During a gazetted holiday, government offices and most businesses are closed so people have a day off work.

Year Weekday Date Name Holiday Type
2005 Fri 22 Apr Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2006 Tue 11 Apr Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2007 Sun 1 Apr Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2008 Fri 21 Mar Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2009 Mon 9 Mar Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2010 Sat 27 Feb Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2011 Wed 16 Feb Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2012 Sun 5 Feb Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2013 Fri 25 Jan Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2014 Tue 14 Jan Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2015 Sun 4 Jan Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2016 Tue 13 Dec Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2017 Sat 2 Dec Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2018 Wed 21 Nov Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2019 Sun 10 Nov Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2020 Fri 30 Oct Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2021 Tue 19 Oct Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Gazetted Holiday
2022 Sun 9 Oct Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date) Gazetted Holiday
2023 Wed 27 Sep Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date) Gazetted Holiday
2024 Mon 16 Sep Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date) Gazetted Holiday
2025 Fri 5 Sep Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date) Gazetted Holiday

(DateTime.com)