Mawlid commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, observed on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-Awwal. While not universally celebrated in all Muslim traditions, it is a major public holiday in most Sunni-majority countries.
Mawlid observance is recorded from the early Fatimid Caliphate (10th century). Some conservative Muslim scholars (particularly Salafi and Wahhabi) consider the holiday a religious innovation (bid'ah) and do not observe it; Saudi Arabia historically does not recognize it as a holiday, though many Saudis privately celebrate.
Recitation of poetry praising the Prophet (Mawlid texts, qasida burda). Communal meals. Sermons recounting the Prophet's life. Charity to the poor. Parades in some countries (Egypt, Senegal, Sudan).
Special communal sweets vary regionally — sevaiyan (South Asia), bouza (Levant), tharid (Arabian).
"Eid Milad Mubarak" · "Mawlid Mubarak"
Public holiday in most Muslim-majority countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Turkey, etc.) but not Saudi Arabia.
Future dates for moving holidays (Easter, Eid, Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.) are computed and approximate; the actual public-holiday date in some countries is fixed by official decree closer to the date.