Eid ul Milad, also known as Mawlid or Eid-e-Milad an-Nabi, is an Islamic festival that commemorates the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated in the third month of the Islamic calendar, Rabi al-Awwal. The festival is observed by Muslims from the Sufi or the Barelvi school of thought. The date of the festival changes every year as per the Muslim calendar called the Hijri calendar, which is based on the moon. The Sunni community of Muslims celebrates Eid-e-Milad on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, while the Shia community celebrates it on the 17th of Rabi’ al-awwal.

Eid ul Milad is celebrated by Muslims wearing new clothes, offering special prayers, and preparing sweet delicacies. Families come together to remember the good deeds of Prophet Muhammad. The festival is marked by decorating houses, singing religious hymns, and reciting Islamic poetry. In some countries, the day starts with a gun salute, and public banquets are organized.

The origin of the celebration of Eid ul Milad can be traced back to the early days of Islam when Muslims used to gather and read verses in honor of the Prophet Muhammad. The Ottomans declared it an official holiday in 1588, known as Mevlid Kandil. The festival became more popular during the 11th century when the practices got modified under heavy Sufi influence.