For decades, the procession has brought together thousands of participants as it makes its way through several key areas of South Mumbai. (PICS/ ATUL KAMBLE)
The procession historically begins at Khilafat House in Byculla and passes through parts of central and South Mumbai before concluding in the Mohammed Ali Road and Crawford Market area
The route turns several parts of the city into a focal point of religious observance, with participants gathering along the streets to mark the occasion
Eid Milad-un-Nabi commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and is observed by Muslims in India and across the world
In Mumbai, celebrations traditionally include religious gatherings, prayers, decorations and processions
The Khilafat House Juloos stands out for its scale and its connection to the city's historic neighbourhoods
As the procession moves through the streets, devotees and participants gather to mark the occasion, while the route reflects the dense cultural and commercial character of South Mumbai
The procession also highlights the way Mumbai's public spaces have historically been shared by communities for religious, cultural and civic events
Its association with Khilafat House gives the annual Juloos a significance that extends beyond the event itself, connecting a contemporary religious observance with an important chapter in India's political history
The annual procession serves as both a religious celebration and a reminder of the city's layered past, tracing a route through neighbourhoods that have witnessed generations of social, political and cultural change.
