Hyderabad, Apr 14: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today led the State in celebrating Lord Rama's birthday on the auspicious 'Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami' day with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm.



Endowments Minister J Ratnakara Rao, Irrigation Minister P Lakshmaiah and Hospital Services Minister V Venkateswara presented silk robes to the Lord on the occasion.

As per the custom, silk robes were presented to the dieties, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita by the authorities of noted Vaishnavite temples across the State,including Tirumala Tirupati Dasthanams(TTD).

Devouts performed Seetaramachandrula Kalayanam in Ram temples and at their residences. They also decorated pandals in the city.

Reports of celebrations to mark the conclusion of nine-day 'Chaitra Navaratri Vasanthothsavam' starting from Ugadi, the Telugu New year, came from all over the State.

Panakam, a sweet drink prepared with jaggery and pepper, was distributed among devotees.


UNI