Maharashtra schools closed on Sep 18: Here’s why
Notification regarding the postponement of Eid-e-Milad holiday
According to the news agency ANI, the official notification states, “Out of the 24 public holidays declared by the State Government, the Eid-e-Milad holiday is scheduled for Monday, September 16, 2024.Eid-e-Milad, a significant religious festival for Muslims, is celebrated widely by the Muslim community. A procession program is organised on this occasion. On Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, since there is the Hindu festival of Anant Chaturdashi, to maintain peace and social harmony between the two communities, the Muslim Community has decided to organise the procession program on Wednesday, 18th September, 2024. Therefore, the public holiday of Eid-e-Milad is being declared on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 instead of Monday, September 16, 2024.”
The notification further stated that district collectors, outside Mumbai City and its suburbs, will determine whether to keep the holiday on September 16 or shift it to September 18, depending on local procession schedules.
The adjustment was made to “maintain peace and social harmony” between the communities during the coinciding festivals.
Local Eid-e-Milad Holiday Decision in Maharashtra
The notification grants district collectors outside Mumbai City and its suburbs the authority to decide whether to retain the holiday on September 16 or shift it to September 18, depending on local procession plans. This approach ensures smooth celebrations tailored to regional needs.
Eid-e-Milad holiday in other states
School holidays observing the celebrations of Eid-e-Milad Islamic festival in different states are as follows:
Delhi School Holiday – In its academic calendar released earlier this year, the Delhi Government confirmed a holiday for Eid-e-Milad. As a result, all schools, colleges, and government and private banks will be closed on September 16.
Telangana School Holiday – The Telangana Government also included the Eid-e-Milad holiday in its academic calendar. Accordingly, all government and private schools in the state will remain closed on September 16.
Andhra Pradesh School Holiday– The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a public holiday for September 16. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutes will remain closed on Monday.
History and significance of Eid-e-Milad
Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, Nabid, or Mawlid in colloquial Arabic, is a festival observed by the Sufi and Barelvi sects during Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. On the 12th day of this month, followers of these traditions celebrate the birth anniversary of the final Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad.
The tradition of celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s birthday dates back to the era of the early Rashidun Caliphs, with the Fatimids being the first to formally observe it. Many Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal in 570 CE.
Although the term “Mawlid” in colloquial Arabic refers to childbirth, Eid-e-Milad is also observed as a day of mourning by some, as it is considered the Prophet’s death anniversary. Officially celebrated as a festival in Egypt, Eid-e-Milad gained widespread popularity during the 11th century.
Initially, the festival was exclusively celebrated by the ruling Shia Muslim tribe in the region, rather than the general population. It wasn’t until the 12th century that countries like Syria, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain began observing Eid-e-Milad, and eventually, some Sunni Muslim sects also adopted the celebration.
