12 Rabi-ul-awal celebrates as day of birth of Prophet (PBUH) around the Islamic world and in Pakistan has deep social implications. Over the years the occasion has been celebrated with more enthusiasm and actively around the country. A public holiday is being announced in the state. The event is celebrated on such large scale that people who celebrate it called it as “Eid” which is considered as the highest point of celebration in Islam. An atmosphere of a celebration and joy floats in Pakistan on this occasion. In recent years people are spending more and more for this specific day. The enthusiasm and excitement is on the rise with every passing year.
The celebrations started right from the start of the Islamic month. At both government and private level, people started to show their love for the event. The buildings around the states started to be lighted up. The government buildings are decorated by government and the mosques, houses, streets and bazaars are decorated, lighted up mostly with green color by the people. The committees at local level play a very active role in this regard. Usually a fund is being raised in mosques and streets both by elders and kids for celebration. Furthermore the majority of people started to prepare for the event by buying and stitching new clothes for them and especially for the kids. The kids also start their own preparations by structuring and building the small models of Islamic buildings, places and other landscapes with the help of their toys and other materials. Another social impact of this celebration is the emergence of whole new local small business of flags, badges, small Islamic models; models of Khana Kaaba and Masjid-e-Nabvi (PBUH) are the main attractions for the buyers. This makes a huge positive social and economic impact on the small businessmen and shopkeepers.
The day started with the feeling of joy for the celebrating people. In the whole country different religious parties, private groups, civil society groups and communities arrange walks, processions and rallies. These rallies passed through the decided routes. People added up during the processions. On the way of rallies different stalls, stages and points are being established for the people for speeches, shopping of religious items and Mehfils of Naats. Number of people attired in Arabic outfits, along with the camels, huge floats and models of Islamic structures like Kaa’ba and Masjid-e-Nabvi are the highlights of these processions. Families participate in these walks with enthusiasm. The day passed with a full social happiness and glee for the people.
At many places different sects shows a social harmony by arranging mutual rallies. At some places these sects facilitate the rally participants by food and drink items at various places and this aspect increase the social understanding and cordial relations among these different schools of thought.
In the evening the decorating lights and other decorations are lighten up in almost every part of the state. The youth and children open their models which usually known as Pahariyan. These temporary structures are seen by large number of people from every field of society. At the end of processions the religious scholars arrange Mehfils of Naats. Famous Naat Khuwan and speakers attend these events and show their love and respect of the prophet (PBUH).
The celebrations of the day started from the dusk continue till late night of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal. It gives a message of harmony, joy and celebration to the all social fields of life and community.