It is celebrated each year on 12th Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar (date varies yearly).
Know about the Complete List of Public Holidays in Indonesia this year including National and Regional holidays.
To commemorate the Prophet's life, teachings and legacy of peace.
The festivities begin with night-long prayers (sholawat) in mosques, where devotees recite poetry praising the Prophet. Cities like Yogyakarta and Solo host grand processions (arak-arakan), with thousands carrying elaborate replicas of the Prophet's cradle or mosque models.
Communities distribute free food (sedekah), especially nasi kebuli (spiced rice with lamb). Children dress in traditional Islamic attire, while scholars give sermons on Muhammad's virtues. In some regions, Sufi groups perform ecstatic dikir (devotional chants).
Introduced by 15th-century Wali Songo (Islamic missionaries) to spread Islam in Java.
Love for the Prophet and unity among Muslims.
The world's largest Muslim population celebrates with unique local traditions.
Some Javanese mix pre-Islamic gamelan music into celebrations.
Social media trends like #MaulidNabi share inspirational quotes and event photos.