New Delhi: Eid-e-Milad also known Eid Milad-un-Nabi marks the birth and death anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. This year, the new moon was first sighted in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the subcontinent on October 18th.
Eid-e-Milad which is also known as Nabid and Mawlid in colloquial Arabic is celebrated during the third month of the Islamic calendar, Rabi'al-awwal. The Sunni community observes Eid-e-Milad on the 12th day of the month while the Shia community celebrates it on the 17th. In 2020, Eid-e-Milad will be celebrated on October 30th in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the subcontinent region whereas in Saudi Arabia it will be celebrated on 29 October.

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The festivities of the day are restricted as the day also marks the death anniversary of the Prophet. Celebrations differ in various countries but what stays consistent is that the teaching of the Prophet is given in speeches and prayers are conducted. While in some countries organise carnivals and large street processions, mosques and houses are decorated. Scholars and poets also celebrate by reciting Qasida al-Burda Sharif, the famous poem by 13th-century Arabic Sufi Busiri.
In India after the morning prayers, the relics of Muhammad are displayed in Jammu and Kashmir at Hazratbal Shrine whereas in places like Hyderabad grand religious meetings, rallies and parades, are also held.
It is, however, interesting to note that there are many Muslims who believe that the birthday celebrations of the Prophet Muhammad do not exist in the Islamic culture. According to the evidence found in the Holy Quran and Sunnah, any other festival except Eid al-Fitr and Eid-e-Adha is a form of biddah or innovation in religion.