Top Islamic Festivals in India 2026

Special Islamic Festivals

1. Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid-ul-Fitr is a significant Muslim festival celebrated worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims observe a month-long fast from dawn until dusk, as prescribed by Sharia, or Islamic law. Eid-ul-Fitr takes place on the first day of Shawwal, determined by the sighting of the moon after Ramadan, through a specific lunar calculation process. According to Islamic tradition, the Holy Quran was revealed on an odd night during this holy month, commonly believed to be the 27th day of Ramadan. This month also holds historical importance in Islam, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's victory in the Battle of Badr, which led to the conquest of Mecca. Additionally, the 21st day of Ramadan marks the martyrdom of Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law.  

1. Ramadan: Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. This period of devotion culminates in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims give alms to the poor, but on Eid, this charitable act intensifies as they offer 'Fitra'—a special form of alms given just before the Eid prayer, symbolising the essence of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the Quran, Muslims believe Allah instructs them to pay 'Zakat' and 'Fitra' before expressing their gratitude through the Eid prayer. Zakat, often called the 'poor rate', is a required portion of a believer's wealth dedicated to supporting the less fortunate and is one of the essential pillars of Islam.  

1. Eid-ul-Zuha: Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakr-Eid or Eid-ul-Azha, is marked by the ritual sacrifice of a goat, or 'bakra', symbolising devotion and obedience to Allah. Celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu-al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, it honours the Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering faith, which Allah tested by instructing him to sacrifice his son. According to tradition, Ibrahim willingly prepared for the sacrifice, but Allah, in his mercy, accepted the offering of a ram instead. On Eid-ul-Azha, the sacrificial meat is shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate, with a third specifically reserved for those in need. This Eid also coincides with the sacred month of pilgrimage, as many Muslims embark on the Hajj to Mecca.  

1. Milad-Un-Nabi: Milad-Un-Nabi, also known as Barah-wafat, is a solemn celebration of the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-al-Awwal, the third month of the Muslim calendar, a date also believed to mark his passing. As such, this day is observed with respect and modest festivities. It is recognised as a national holiday, with people gathering in mosques for Quranic recitations. Special assemblies are held where religious scholars recite the revered Qasida al-Burda Sharif, a sacred poem by 13th-century Sufi poet Busiri, along with Nats—poems honouring the Prophet's virtues. The festival is named 'Barah (twelve) wafat (death)' due to the Prophet's passing after a twelve-day illness. In Kashmir, Milad-Un-Nabi holds particular significance, as devotees visit the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, where the Prophet's relic is displayed, drawing large crowds for the observance.  

1. Muharram: Muharram is a solemn occasion that honours the martyrdom of Hussain, the son of Ali and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Observed in the first month of the Islamic calendar, it also coincides with the Islamic New Year. The tenth day, known as Yaum-al-Ashura, is marked by Shia Muslims globally as a day of mourning, remembering Hussain's sacrifice at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD (61 Hijri). In India, Tajia processions are held, with participants sometimes engaging in symbolic acts of self-flagellation to emulate Hussain's suffering. Many people dress in black as a sign of grief and distribute sherbet or juice to the public as part of the commemoration.  

1. Shab-e-Barat: Shab-e-Barat, also known as the 'Night of Emancipation', is observed on the night between the 14th and 15th of the Islamic month of Shaban. According to Islamic belief, it is on this night that each person's fate is decided for the coming year. For Shia Muslims, the 15th of Shaban also marks the birth anniversary of Imam Muhammad Al-Mahdi, the twelfth imam, who is revered for his role in removing oppression and injustice from the world.  

1. Shab-e-Miraj: Shab-e-Miraj, meaning the 'Night of Ascent', commemorates the spiritual journey of the Prophet Muhammad as he ascended closer to God. This event is believed to have occurred on the 27th of Rajab, two years before the Hijra, not in a physical form but as a spiritual journey. It was during this event that the five daily prayers were made obligatory for Muslims. Mosques are beautifully decorated with candles and lights, and Muslims gather to sing hymns and express gratitude to the Prophet. Detailed stories of his journey are shared, and people give to charity, distribute food to the needy, and spend the night in devoted remembrance of God. 

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