Why is today a bank holiday in Mumbai

Id-E-Milad

The Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of  the Muslim year. His death anniversary also falls on the same day. The word ' barah ' stands for the twelve days of the Prophet's sickness. During these days, sermons are delivered in mosques by learned men, focusing on the life and noble deeds of the Prophet.

In some parts of the country, a ceremony known as 'sandal' rite is performed over the symbolic footprints of the Prophet engraved in stone. A representation of 'buraq', a horse on which the Prophet is believed to have ascended to heaven, is kept near the footprints and anointed with sandal paste or scented powder, and the house and casket containing these are elaborately decorated. Elegies or 'marsiyas' are sung in memory of the last days of the Prophet. The twelfth day or the Urs proper is observed quietly, in prayers and alms-giving.