Milad-Un-Nabi (Holy Prophet's Birthday)
| Date | Type |
|---|---|
26 Aug 2026 Wednesday | BankPublicMercantile |
15 Aug 2027 Sunday | BankPublicMercantile |
Overview
Milad-Un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic month of Rabi' al-Awwal. Sunni Muslims, the large majority of Sri Lanka's Muslim community, traditionally mark the occasion on the 12th of that month, while Shia tradition observes it on the 17th. Unlike the more festive Mawlid celebrations seen in some other countries, Sri Lanka's observance tends to be solemn and reflective: mosques hold special sermons recounting the Prophet's life and teachings, and many communities extend a period of remembrance across the surrounding days, with recitals, storytelling sessions and communal meals of rice and curry or biryani shared among family and friends. Sri Lanka's Muslim community, roughly a tenth of the national population, traces its origins to Arab traders who settled the coastline over a thousand years ago.
Significance
The day is marked with religious gatherings recounting the Prophet's life and teachings; observance varies among different Islamic traditions, with some communities marking it more prominently than others.
How it's observed
Mosques hold special sermons and gatherings. Expect some businesses in Muslim-majority areas to close or operate reduced hours.
See the Sri Lanka long weekends list or use the interactive holiday planner.