The Central Government has listed August 26 as the gazetted holiday for Milad-un-Nabi. However, religious observance may vary by a day in some places depending on local moon-sighting practices.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and Milad-un-Nabi is observed on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. The Union Government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) calendars list August 26 as the holiday date.
Milad-un-Nabi holds profound spiritual meaning for Islamic communities worldwide. The tradition traces its roots back to the early centuries of Islam. The occasion gained formal public recognition during the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt, where public gatherings and recitations were organised to honour the Prophet.
Over time, rulers in regions such as Syria and Turkey expanded these observances into wider community celebrations. One of the earliest well-documented large-scale public Mawlid celebrations was held in Erbil in the early 13th century under Muzaffar al-Din Gökböri, a ruler and military commander associated with Saladin.
Schools Open on August 26?
Schools do not necessarily follow the Central Government holiday calendar. They generally follow the holiday calendar issued by their respective state education department, board, district administration or management. Students and parents should therefore check the academic calendar or notice issued by their school to confirm whether classes will be held on August 26.
Is Eid-e-Milad a Bank Holiday?
Milad-un-Nabi does not necessarily mean that every bank branch across India will shut, as bank holidays are state- and city-specific. The August 2026 holiday calendar includes Milad-un-Nabi/Eid-e-Milad among the festival-linked bank closures in some locations.
Customers planning a branch visit should check the holiday calendar applicable to their city before visiting the bank. The August 26 holiday listed by the Union Government and RBI calendars provides the official date, while local observance and banking arrangements may vary.
With Milad-un-Nabi falling on August 26 according to the Central Government’s holiday calendar, schools and bank customers across India will need to follow the applicable local calendars and institutional notices.
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