LAHORE, May 2: The birthday of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) will be celebrated in the Punjab capital on Monday with full religious zeal and fervour. Preparations were in full swing in the provincial metropolis till late on Sunday night.

All mosques and important public buildings were being illuminated, besides decorative gates and arches were being built in the markets and bazaars. Prominent religious scholars will speak on various aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) at seminars. Mahafil-i-Na'ats will be held at all important mosques.

The day will dawn with the offering of special prayers in the mosques. People will distribute food among the poor and acquaintance. The government has declared a public holiday on Monday to enable the people celebrate the religious festival in a befitting manner.

The traditional Miladun Nabi procession will be taken out from the Masjid Wazir Khan after Zuhar prayers. It will terminate at the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh after passing through Kashmiri Bazaar and Circular Road. A number of small processions taken out from different parts of the city will join the main procession.

A procession will be taken out from the railway station after Asr prayers by the Daawat-i-Islami.The participants will offer Maghrib prayers at Masjid Wazir Khan and march up to Data Sahib's shrine after marching on Brandreth, Railway, Hospital, Anarkali and Circular roads.