Sonia turns 66, special pujas outside 10, Janpath

Scores of party workers, MPs and ministers thronged the official residence of Congress President Sonia Gandhi here to celebrate her 66th birthday on Friday.

Special prayers were offered at a mobile temple outside Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence and enthusiastic Congress workers cut huge cakes and distributed it to all those gathered.

A number of party leaders including Andhra Chief Minister Kiran Reddy, several Union Ministers, including External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, MPs K Keshava Rao, K S Rao, Sudarshan Natchiappan and Jammu and Kashmir state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz were among those who greeted Gandhi.

A group of party workers had installed a Ganesha idol on a mini-truck and were seen offering prayers and wishing a long and healthy life for Gandhi.

Gandhi had appealed to party workers not to take a lot of trouble and spend money to come all the way to Delhi from far off places to greet her.

Despite the appeal, party workers gathered at her residence since early morning beating drums and taking out processions to celebrate her birthday.