If there is one ocassion to be in Pakistan, and especially in Lahore, that is the month of "Eid-e-milad". The ocassion marks the birthday of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the year 571 A.D. on the 12th day of the third month of Islamic Lunar Calendar. In Pakistan, and to a great extent in other Islamic countries, the beginning of the month marks month long celebrations, festivities, giving, and sharing

Pakistanis have their own special way of celebrating Eid-e-milad. The preparations for the ocassion start several weeks in advance. The sale of buntings, decorative lights and flags is on the peak during the preparatory days and throughout the first 10 days of the month of Rabi ul Awal. The sale of cooked and uncooked meals also sees a huge increase as the households share food with friends, family and the needy during the first 12 days of the month and continue this practice during the later days of the month as well.

This year the month of Rabiul Awal commenced with the sighting of moon on October 28 with 29th being the 1st day of Rabiul Awal. As per the Islamic Lunar Calendar the Eid-e-milad falls on 9th of November (12th day of Rabiul Awal).

Lahore lights up for Eid-e-Milad on November 09, 2019

The streets and important buildings in Lahore are already being decorated with lighting and decorative arrangements. This report will be updated frequently to show the preparations and festivities that are already in full swing.