Milad-un-Nabi is also known as Eid-e-Milad, it is one of the most revered Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims across the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and falls in the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Rabi’ al-Awwal. In 2025, the festival will be observed on Friday, September 5 with celebrations beginning on the evening of September 4 and concluding on the evening of September 5.
Eid-e-Milad 2025: Holiday and Bank Closures
As per the government’s list of gazetted holidays, September 5 will be a holiday for schools, offices, and institutions in many states. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, banks will remain closed on this day in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and more.
Milad-un-Nabi: Historical Significance
Milad-un-Nabi is also referred to as Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif, meaning “birth of the Prophet.” While Sunnis usually observe it on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, Shi’as commemorate it on the 17th day of the month.
The origins of this celebration date back to the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt, who were among the first to officially observe the Prophet’s birth anniversary. By the 12th century, countries such as Syria, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain had also adopted the tradition. Many believe that Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in 570 CE.
Interestingly, while many mark the day with joy and devotion, some sects also consider it a day of mourning as it is linked to the Prophet’s death anniversary.
Eid-e-Milad: Rituals
On Eid-e-Milad, devotees celebrate by:
- Wearing new clothes and offering special prayers in mosques.
- Organizing processions and gatherings to recall the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
- Preaching the Quran and sharing stories of the Prophet’s compassion and guidance.
- Distributing food and donating alms to the poor and needy as acts of kindness.
- The day is deeply spiritual, focusing on love, devotion, and the remembrance of the Prophet’s teachings.
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