Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated to honor the birth of Prophet Mohammed. This year, the auspicious Muslim festival will begin on November 20 and will end on November 21. The festival is also called Nabid and Mawlid colloquially. The festivities start one day prior to the festival and end on the following day. Several places across the country are lit including streets, mosques, shrines and residential areas, with colorful lights.
The ‘Mawalid‘ word is derived from the Arabic word which means to give birth and in this context, the term refers to the observance of Prophet Muhammad. On this day, people carry green flags in their hands and tie ribbons on their wrist to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. Have you ever thought why only green color and what does this shade represent? The color green represents Islam and paradise. The origin of celebrating this day dates back to the early four Rashidun Caliphs of Islam. The idea was first initiated by the Fatimids.
People get together at the mosque or at the dargah and carry on long hours of prayers. Processions are carried out from the mosques to the town and back. People march and chant prayers and praises of the Prophet simultaneously. There are community meals organized and people gather together and narrate stories about the Mohammed’s life.
The Sunni community of Muslim’s celebrate this auspicious day on the 12th of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal. Whereas the Shia community celebrate it on the 17th of Rabi’ al-awwal. Muslims celebrate the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and even held social gatherings wherein they have night long prayers meeting. The date of this festival varies in the Gregorian calendar.
The occasion is celebrated at its best when people wear new clothes, observe prayers, and exchange greetings. Eid is incomplete without sweet Sheer Kurma and Sevaiyan. On this auspicious occasion, we at India.com wish each one of you Happy Eid. We just hope you celebrate and strengthen the bond of love with your loved ones.