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EId-e-Milad 2023 Date: When Eid milad un nabi holiday in India & Celebration

Published Date: 09-Dec-2022

EId Milad un Nabi, Mawlid, Milad un Nabi, or Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif, is a festival that is celebrated as the birthday of the revered Prophet Muhammad. According to numerous historical texts, Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Saudi Arabia. Shia scholars of the Muslim community observe this day on the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic calendar i.e., Rabi’ al-Awwal. Whereas, the Sunni scholars of society celebrate Muhammad’s birthday on the 17th day of the same month. In 2023, Milad-un-Nabi will begin on the evening of 27th September and end on the evening of 28th September in India (dates may vary depending on the positioning of the moon).

Although Id Milad un Nabi will be celebrated on the 26th and 27th of September in the UAE, the public holiday has been declared for 29 September 2023.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad History & Significance

Milad-un-Nabi History & Significance

Milad-un-Nabi History & Significance

Initially, this date i.e., the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal was observed as the day when Prophet Muhammad died and it wasn’t until the 13th century that the Muslim masses began celebrating EId-e-Milad as his birthday and since then this tradition is being carried on. It is believed by many scholars that Muhammad was born and died on the same day of the Islamic calendar. Although a major part of the Muslim community still considers this day inauspicious, countless Muslims throughout the globe celebrate it with utmost enthusiasm and spirit.

Earlier, Eid-e-Milad was celebrated in certain private sessions by only a few people. These people used to come together at the Mawlid house to celebrate the occasion. However, as time passed the visitors at the Mawlid house started increasing in numbers to mark and celebrate Muhammad’s birth anniversary. The festival then started to be observed on a bigger scale and became one of the major festivals celebrated by Muslims.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad 2023 Celebrations across India

Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad | Celebrations across India

Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad | Celebrations across India

Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, is celebrated by holding mass prayers at the mosques where a preacher recites multiple sermons from the life and deeds of Muhammad. Families celebrate this day by preparing and distributing Seviyan (vermicelli in sweetened milk) and remembering the good deeds of Prophet Muhammad.

Places to Observe Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad Celebrations across India

1. Asafi Mosque, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Asafi Mosque, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Asafi Mosque, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, Eid Milad un Nabi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People decorate mosques and homes with colourful lights and banners. Special processions and rallies are organised, where devotees come together to recite prayers, sing hymns, and read passages from the Quran, all in honour of the Prophet’s life and teachings. Additionally, sweets and other traditional dishes are prepared and distributed among friends, family, and the less fortunate as a symbol of charity and unity.

One of the most significant mosques in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the city of Lucknow, is the Asafi Mosque, commonly known as Bara Imambara. It’s an iconic religious site and architectural marvel built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the 18th century. The Bara Imambara is an important venue for Milad un-Nabi celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees who gather to offer their prayers and participate in the festivities.

Nearby Places to Stay: Hotels in Agra, hotels in Lucknow, hotels in Kanpur, hotels in Ghaziabad, hotels in Gorakhpur,

2. Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata, West Bengal

Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata, West Bengal

Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata, West Bengal

In West Bengal, the festivities of Eid Milad un Nabi typically begin with special prayers and sermons at mosques and shrines. Devotees gather in large numbers to listen to religious scholars who narrate the life and teachings of the Prophet. People often decorate their homes and streets with colourful lights and flags to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, charity and acts of kindness are encouraged during Milad un-Nabi as a way to honour the Prophet’s message of compassion and generosity.

One of the important mosques in West Bengal where Milad un-Nabi is celebrated is the Nakhoda Mosque, located in the heart of Kolkata. Nakhoda Mosque is not only a significant religious site but also a historic landmark. During Milad un-Nabi, it becomes a focal point of the celebrations, drawing thousands of worshippers who come to offer prayers and participate in the festivities. The mosque’s design and intricate artwork create a stunning setting for the celebrations, making it a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for those who attend.

Places to Stay Nearby: Hotels in Kolkata, Hotels in Siliguri

3. Imarat Shariah Mosque, Patna, Bihar

In Bihar, like in many other parts of India and the Islamic world, Milad un-Nabi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The celebrations typically begin with special prayers and sermons at mosques across the state. Believers gather in large numbers to listen to religious leaders who speak about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing his role as a symbol of peace, compassion, and unity.
One of the most important mosques in Bihar where Milad un-Nabi is celebrated is the Imarat Shariah mosque in Patna. This historic mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also plays a significant role in promoting religious harmony and understanding among the diverse communities in the region. During Milad un-Nabi, the mosque is beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of spirituality and unity as people come together to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad and reflect on his teachings of peace and brotherhood. Additionally, processions, charity events, and communal feasts are common features of the celebrations in Bihar, strengthening the bonds of community and faith.

Places to Stay Nearby: Hotels in Patna

How do Shias and Sunnis Celebrate Id-e-Milad

Both Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate this occasion, but there can be variations in how they observe it due to differences in religious practices and traditions.

Sunnis

  • Recitation of Nasheeds: Sunni Muslims often celebrate Eid-e-Milad by reciting religious poems and nasheeds (Islamic songs) that praise the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Mosque Decorations: Mosques and homes may be decorated with lights and green banners or flags, which are considered the colour of Islam.
  • Charity and Acts of Kindness: Many Sunnis take the opportunity to engage in acts of charity, feeding the poor, and helping the less fortunate.
  • Islamic Lectures: Special lectures and sermons about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad may be held in mosques or community centres.
  • Food and Sweets: Families and communities often come together to share special meals and sweets, symbolizing the joyous occasion.

Shias

  • Religious Gatherings: Shia Muslims typically hold gatherings at mosques or private homes where they recount the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and his family, known as the Ahlul Bayt.
  • Recitation of Eulogies: Eulogies (known as Marsiya or Noha) that highlight the suffering and martyrdom of the Ahlul Bayt, particularly Imam Hussein, are recited.
  • Candle Processions: In some Shia communities, candle processions are held, where participants carry candles or torches.
  • Charity and Acts of Kindness: Just like Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims also engage in acts of charity and kindness on this occasion.
  • Special Prayers: Special prayers, known as Salat al-Mawlid, are often recited.

It’s important to note that the way Eid-e-Milad is celebrated can vary greatly among Sunni and Shia communities, as well as within different regions and cultures. Additionally, some Muslims, regardless of their sect, choose not to celebrate Eid-e-Milad as a religious holiday, viewing it as a bid’ah (innovation) in Islam because the Prophet’s birthday is not mentioned in the Quran or Hadith.

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

Festivals in India Day Date Holiday Type
New Year Sunday 1 January Public
Lohri Saturday 14 January Restricted
Makar Sankranti Saturday 14 January Restricted
Pongal Sunday 15 January Restricted
Basant Panchmi Thursday 26 January Restricted
Republic Day Thursday 26 January Public
Guru Ravidass Jayanti Sunday 5 February Restricted
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wednesday 15 February Restricted
Mahashivratri Saturday 18 February Restricted
Losar Tuesday 21 February Restricted
Holi Wednesday 8 March Public
Ram Navami Thursday 30 March Restricted
Mahavir Jayanti Tuesday 4 April Restricted
Good Friday Friday 7 April Public
Easter Sunday 9 April Restricted
Vaisakhi Friday 14 April Restricted
Eid Ul Fitr Saturday 22 April Public
Buddha Purnima Friday 5 May Public
Rabindra Jayanti Tuesday 9 May Restricted
Rath Yatra Tuesday 20 June Restricted
Eid Al Adha Thursday 29 June Restricted
Muharram Saturday 29 July Public
Independence Day Tuesday 15 August Public
Parsi New Year Navroz Wednesday 16 August Restricted
Onam Tuesday 29 August Restricted
Raksha Bandhan Wednesday 30 August Restricted
Janmashtami Thursday 7 September Restricted
Ganesh Chaturthi Tuesday 19 September Restricted
Id E Milad Thursday 28 September Public
Gandhi Jayanti Monday 2 October Public
Shardiya Navratri Sunday 15 October No Holiday
Durga Puja Friday 20 October No Holiday
Dussehra Tuesday 24 October Public
Valmiki Jayanti Saturday 28 October Restricted
Halloween Day Tuesday 31 October No Holiday
Karva Chauth Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Karnataka Rajyotsava Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Kerala Piravi Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Ahoi Ashtami Sunday 5 November No Holiday
Dhanteras Saturday 11 November No Holiday
Diwali Sunday 12 November Public
Kali Puja Sunday 12 November No Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Sunday 12 November No Holiday
Govardhan Puja Monday 13 November Public
Bhai Dooj Tuesday 14 November Restricted
Chhath Puja Sunday 19 November Restricted
Guru Nanak Jayanti Monday 27 November Public
Kartik Purnima Monday 27 November No Holiday
Christmas Monday 25 December Public

FAQs

Q. What is Eid Milad un Nabi festival?

A. Eid-e-Milad, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is a Muslim holiday that celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed with prayers, recitations, and community gatherings.

Q. Is Id e Milad 2023 a government holiday?

A. Yes, Eid-e-Milad is a gazetted holiday in India which means banks, post offices and government offices are closed on this festival. 

Q. How is Id Milad un Nabi celebrated?

A. Eid-e-Milad, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is celebrated by Muslims as the birthday of Prophet Muhammad with prayers, recitations of his life story, and acts of charity. Festive gatherings, processions, and special meals are common to celebrate the occasion.

Q. When did Milad start?

A. Milad is typically celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The exact date is different each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Q. Who celebrated Eid e Milad first?

A. The celebration of Milad, the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, was first initiated by the Fatimid Caliphate in the 10th century.

Q. Is Milad Sunni or Shia?

A. Milad, also known as Mawlid, is celebrated by both Sunni and Shia Muslims to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, although the specific customs and practices may vary between the two sects.

Q. When was Miladi Nabi 2022?

A. Eid Milad un Nabi 2022 was celebrated on October 9, Sunday.

Sargun Preet Kaur
Sargun has an appetite for challenges and creative hurdles that can help her grow as she conquers them one by one. With an innate desire to travel the world, she weaves through life by visiting her dream destinations. When not in her creative zone, Sargun loves to smash in badminton and binge-watch her favourite shows.
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