Eid Milad-un-Nabi was observed across India on Wednesday, August 26, with Muslims offering special prayers and participating in religious gatherings to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Major observances were reported from places including Srinagar, Mumbai and Shivamogga, where devotees gathered at mosques and shrines and communities marked the occasion with prayers and other programmes.

The occasion is observed on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal and is associated with remembering the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. In his message on the eve of the festival, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to citizens, particularly members of the Muslim community, and said the occasion was an opportunity to recall the Prophet's teachings and ideals. 

Prayers at Hazratbal in Srinagar

In Srinagar, large numbers of devotees gathered at the Dargah Hazratbal, one of the most important Muslim shrines in Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine houses a holy relic associated with Prophet Muhammad and traditionally draws large congregations during Milad observances.

Special prayers were held through the night ahead of the main observance on Wednesday. Devotees from different parts of Kashmir, including men, women and children, visited the shrine to participate in prayers. Special religious gatherings were also held at mosques and shrines across the region.

Authorities had made arrangements for the expected crowds, including traffic management, security, cleanliness, medical facilities and other essential services. The Srinagar administration also reviewed preparations at Hazratbal ahead of the large congregation. 

Celebrations in Mumbai

Mumbai also witnessed Eid Milad-un-Nabi observances, with members of the Muslim community gathering for prayers and religious programmes.

Across the city, mosques and community spaces marked the occasion with special prayers and gatherings. The festival was observed as a religious occasion centred on remembrance, prayer and reflection on the teachings associated with Prophet Muhammad.

The day was also observed in several other parts of the country, with local programmes and gatherings organised according to regional traditions.

Shivamogga Streets Illuminated

In Shivamogga, Karnataka, the occasion was marked by illumination and decorations, adding a festive atmosphere to parts of the city. Religious and community celebrations were held as Muslims observed the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. 

The celebrations in different cities reflected the varied ways in which Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed across India, ranging from special prayers and religious gatherings to community programmes and decorations.

Leaders Extend Greetings

Several political and public leaders extended greetings to people on the occasion.

President Droupadi Murmu said the festival provides an opportunity to recall the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and expressed the hope that his ideals would inspire people to contribute towards building an inclusive and developed India. 

In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also extended greetings, describing the Prophet's teachings as a message of peace, equality and compassion. 

Message of Peace and Brotherhood

Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed by Muslims in India and across the world as an occasion to remember the life, teachings and message of Prophet Muhammad. Prayers, recitations and religious gatherings form an important part of the observance.

The festival is also associated with messages of compassion, brotherhood, equality and peaceful coexistence. Leaders and community representatives across India used the occasion to emphasise these values while extending greetings to people.

With large gatherings expected at important religious sites, authorities in several regions had also stepped up security and civic arrangements. In Srinagar, police reviewed security measures around major religious locations, particularly Hazratbal, ahead of the celebrations. 

The nationwide observance on Wednesday brought together communities in different parts of India for prayers and celebrations, with Srinagar, Mumbai and Shivamogga among the cities where prominent programmes and gatherings were reported.