Observed as Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Id-e-Milad, also known as Milad-un-Nabi, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Muslim community. It is observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar, Rabi Al-awwal.
The story behind the festival dates back to the very initial days of Islam. At that time, Islamic followers used to have religious sessions in honour of their revered Muhammad. These sessions also included poems and songs that were sung and recited amid huge public gatherings. In 1588, the Ottoman Turks even declared this day as their official holiday and named it Mevlid Kandil.
Perhaps owing to this, the term Mawlid has also been used in various parts of the world, such as Egypt, majorly referring to the birthdays of historical and religious figures like Saints and Sufis.
Historical Significance of Milad-un-Nabi
Milad-un-Nabi festival, also known as Id-e-Milad, is not just a day of celebration but a significant event in the history of Islam that honours the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Its origin can be traced back to the early days of Islamic civilization. During this time, religious sessions were held to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad, often including songs and poems in his praise. In 1588, the Ottoman Turks declared this day an official holiday and named it Mevlid Kandil, further spreading the celebration of this event across the Islamic world. The term Mawlid became associated with the birthdays of revered historical and religious figures, including saints and Sufis.
The celebration of Milad-un-Nabi spread from private gatherings in the 8th century to public events by the 12th century. Initially celebrated by Shia Muslims, the Sunni community later embraced the festival, and by the 15th century, it was widely accepted. The early celebrations often had a Sufi influence, and many regions began observing national holidays in their honour by the 20th century. The tradition has grown stronger with time, and the Miladi Nabi festival is now a major event in the Islamic calendar, bringing people together in worship, celebration, and reflection on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
When is Milad-un-Nabi Celebrated?
Milad-un-Nabi 2024, or Id-e-Milad, is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. In 2024, Milad-un-Nabi will be observed from Sunday, September 15th, to Monday, September 16th. The dates vary annually according to the lunar Islamic calendar, and the festival can sometimes differ by a day or two depending on the sighting of the moon in different regions.
On this auspicious occasion, Muslims worldwide come together to commemorate the life, teachings, and contributions of Prophet Muhammad. The day is filled with prayers, charitable acts, and community gatherings that reflect the significance of the Prophet’s message of peace, compassion, and unity. Whether through quiet reflections at home or grand processions in the streets, Miladi Nabi 2024 will be a day of spiritual devotion and celebration for Muslims globally.
Cultural Practices and Traditions During Milad-un-Nabi
The cultural practices associated with Milad-un-Nabi reflect the joy and reverence Muslims feel today. Families and communities celebrate, such as visiting mosques, reciting prayers, and sharing meals. One of the most beloved traditions is the distribution of sweets, particularly honey-based dishes, as it is believed to have been the Prophet's favourite food. Sweets like Baklava and Seviyan are prepared and shared with friends, family, and neighbours as a gesture of goodwill and festivity.
In addition to food, another significant tradition is the recitation of Maulaud, a song sung in praise of Prophet Muhammad. This song is considered to bring good fortune and reflects Muslims' devotion to their Prophet. Mosques host special gatherings, where Muslims come to offer prayers, listen to lectures about the Prophet’s life, and engage in discussions about his teachings. These events foster a sense of community while also reinforcing the values and principles of Islam.
Another important aspect of the festival is the attire worn during Milad-un-Nabi. Men typically wear traditional Kurta and Pyjamas, while women dress in Abaya, Jilbab, and Dupatta. These traditional garments symbolise modesty and respect, central values in Islam, particularly on a day as significant as the Prophet’s birthday.
How Milad-un-Nabi is Celebrated Across Different Regions
Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated with various customs and traditions that differ across regions, yet the core theme remains the same—honouring the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad. In India, the celebrations are grand, particularly in regions like Kashmir, where the festivities are extensive, and the atmosphere is filled with religious fervour. Kashmir is considered one of the best places to witness Milad-un-Nabi, with special events hosted at mosques, including processions and religious sermons.
In countries like Egypt and Turkey, the festival is known as Mawlid and is marked by large gatherings in mosques and public spaces. Distributing sweets is also prevalent in these regions, and religious scholars discuss the significance of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. In Morocco and other parts of North Africa, the day is celebrated with music, poetry, and spiritual chants, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Islamic world.
Meanwhile, processions and street decorations are a major part of the celebrations in Pakistan and Bangladesh. People decorate their homes and mosques with lights, and large public prayers are held. The unity and joy seen during these festivities highlight the event's significance for Muslims worldwide, who come together to remember the life of the Prophet and the principles he stood for.
Major Attractions of Milad-un-Nabi
1. Within the Muslim community, Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated as a day of festivities and fun. Most people celebrate in various ways, such as visiting mosques, distributing sweets, spending quality time with the family, singing, and indulging in arts and lectures.
2. Distribution of Sweets - On Milad-un-Nabi, Muslims express their happiness by distributing sweets to their neighbours, family, and friends. However, honey is one of the most commonly distributed foods among Muslims on this day. This is mainly because many scholars believed honey was their Prophet's favourite food.
3. Visiting Mosques - On this day, Muslims don’t miss visiting the mosque at all to offer their prayers. After participating in the prayers, people generally indulge in discussions about Muhammad and his life.
4. Singing - The special occasion also witnessed the Muslim community singing joyfully and happily. Among all the tracks, one of the major and most popular songs is Maulaud. As per the traditional values of Islam, singing this song brings good luck and also reaffirms the devotee's loyalty to God.
Famous Food and Clothing for Id-e-Milad/Milad-un-Nabi
Milad-un-Nabi holds a very special place in the Muslim community. On this day, people prepare a variety of delicacies to distribute to their friends and for their consumption. Some of the most popular sweets are Baklava and Seviyan, which are essentially prepared with many other delightfully scrumptious sweets. The Muslim men generally wear Kurta and Pyjama, and the women go with Abaya, Jilbab, and Dupatta.
How to Reach
Kashmir is the best place to celebrate Milad-un-Nabi. Jammu and Kashmir are famously called the Paradise on Earth, and rightly so. This place is full of picturesque landscapes and mesmerising natural elegance. It is located at a distance of around 589, 2,768, 1,957, and 2,114 km from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata, respectively.
By Air. To travel to Kashmir via air, you will need to take a flight to Srinagar airport. The Srinagar airport is very well maintained and well-connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, etc. After boarding the airport, you can easily take a cab to reach your destination.
- Delhi - Board Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and Spicejet flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.8,000
- Mumbai - Board Air India, Go Air, Spicejet from Mumbai Airport. The airfares start from Rs.9,000
- Kolkata - Board Spicejet, Air India, and Go Air flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.10,000
- Madurai - Board Spicejet, Air India, IndiGo from Madurai airport. The airfares start from Rs.12,000
By Train. The nearest railway station is the Jammu Tawi railhead. Travelling via train, one gets to see the incredible natural views of the terrific scenery that the land of Kashmir has to offer to anyone and everyone. Some good options to travel to Kashmir via trains are the New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail, and Jammu Tawi Express, etc.
- Delhi - Board SVDK Vande Bharat from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Jammu Tawi
- Lucknow - Board Amarnath Express from Lucknow NR and deboard at the Jammu Tawi station
- Jaipur - Board Aii Jat Express from Jaipur Junction and deboard at the Jammu Tawi station
- Amritsar - Board Ju Jat Express from Amritsar Junction and deboard at the Jammu Tawi Station
By Road. Travelling to Kashmir via road can be a great and memorable experience for anyone, especially if you are travelling with your friends. The overall road connectivity from Kashmir to other nearby and major Indian cities is quite good. You can also choose to travel by private buses or interstate buses.
- From Dehradun, the fares are starting from Rs.600.
- From Shimla, fares are starting from Rs.500.
- From Amritsar, the starting price of bus fares is Rs.344.
Here is the road route information from various cities to attend Milad-un-Nabi.
- Bikaner - 868 km via NH54
- Delhi - 737 km via NH44
- Patiala - 516 km via NH44 or NH54
- Amritsar - 357 km via NH54
- Ludhiana - 425 km via NH44
Conclusion
Milad-un-Nabi holds immense religious and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, fostering a sense of unity, compassion, and devotion among the community. Whether through prayers, distributing sweets, or participating in mosque gatherings, this day is a powerful reminder of the values that Prophet Muhammad stood for. As Milad-un-Nabi 2024 approaches, from 15th September 2024 to 16th September 2024, Muslims worldwide will come together in celebration, honouring the legacy of the Prophet and embracing the spirit of generosity and love.
PLEASE NOTE: Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milad-Un-Nabi
Q1.What is milad un nabi?
A1.Eid Milan Un Nabi is an annual celebration commemorating Prophet Mouhammad's Birth Anniversary.
Q2.When is milad un nabi 2024?
A2. Milad-Un-Nabi 2024 is on 15 September 2024 - 16 September 2024
