Rest of South India

In the archipelago of Lakshadweep, Milad Ul Nabi or Eid-Milad-ul-Nabi is also known as Mawlid. This commemorates the birthday of Prophet Mohammad. Mohammad, the last Prophet of Islam, is believed to have been born in Mecca of Arabia in 571 AD. The 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic lunar year, is considered to be his birthday. In the islands of Lakshadweep, it is celebrated with traditional festivity and immense religious fervor.

The majority of Hindu population of the island of Lakshadweep was converted to Islam by Hazrat Ubaidullah of Mecca. The Hazrat came to this beautiful

conglomeration of islands after his ship wrecked while he was out on his mission to propagate Islam. After continuous fierce oppositions he finally succeeded in his mission. As of now, 93% of the inhabitants of Lakshadweep follow the religion of Islam, as per the census of 1991.Naturally enough; the Islamic festivals are celebrated every year, in a grand scale, in this island district located in the south west of India.

Congregation takes place in various parts of Lakshadweep during the festival of Milad Ul Nabi. Religious meetings are held in places of public importance and here the community leaders give sermons on the teachings, ideas and philosophies of the Prophet. Both Shias and Sunnis celebrate this holy day together to express their love towards the Prophet. Incidentally, Prophet Muhammad's birthday coincides with his physical passing away from this world. In Lakshadweep Milad Ul Nabi, the celebration includes distribution of sweets and sprinkling of 'attar' or perfume.