For many families in Kano, the approach of Mawlid would normally mean the smell of freshly cooked food, the slaughtering of chickens or rams, new clothes for children and a gathering of relatives to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

But this year, the celebration looks different.

With the cost of food and other household needs continuing to rise, some families say they are being forced to celebrate according to what they can afford, rather than according to the traditions they have maintained for years.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday for Muslims across the country to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, but for some households, the holiday is arriving at a time when simply putting food on the table has become a daily struggle.