On Sunday December 18th, 2016 Minhaj-ul-Quran Al-Noor Islamic Center, Ellington, CT held Connecticut’s first ever parade in celebration of Mawlid-un-Nabi (peace and blessings be upon him), sponsored by director Minhaj ul Quran Al-Noor Islamic center CT, Muhammad Sharif Kamalvi, Masjid president Ghulam Sarwar, and the masjid committee. The program began with a recitation of the Quran by Hafiz Numaan Sarwar. Naat recitation was done by Muhammad Arshad Latif and Raja Awais Khan. Speeches were given by Imam Muhammad Sharif Kamalvi, and Basharit Shazi.

The procession began at 12:00 PM from the Ellington Town Green and processed to Arbor Park, a length of 5 miles. There were roughly 60 men, women, and children in attendance at the procession. The participants were fully engaged in the Naats, chanting, as well as holding various flags and signs.

Following the procession, the participants met at Minhaj-ul-Quran Al-Noor Islamic Center in Ellington, CT to say their prayers and enjoy a delicious meal.