Jaya's 'star birthday' celebrations begin across TN

Special prayers and celebrations were held on Monday by ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party workers across Tamil Nadu on the occasion of the 'star birthday' of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

The celebrations are expected to be on till the weekend while she would turn 68 on February 24, according to the Gregorian calendar.

Monday being "Maasi Magam" (Tamil month 'Masi', star 'Magam') the birth star of Jayalalithaa, ruling partymen, from state ministers and top party functionaries to ordinary party workers offered prayers in places of worship across the state.

As she turns 68, party workers are organising everything to sync with the number 68, like 68 special medical camps and the initiative to plant 68 lakh saplings across the state, recently launched by Jayalalithaa herself.

On behalf of the AIADMK party wing Puratchi Thalaivi Amma Peravai, "Gau Puja" (cow worship) and "Gau Dhan" (cow donation) were held in 50 party districts, including Chennai,Villupuram, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Virudunagar, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Karur, Coimbatore and Nilgiris.

Likewise, functionaries are organising distribution of welfare assistance like giving away dhoti-saris, sewing machines to beneficiaries, notebooks for school children and organising community lunch (Anna dhanam).

In addition, social service activities like organising blood donation camp are being held.

AIADMK women's wing functionaries are also holding "Pal Kudam Vazhipadu" (carrying milk pot on head and completing prayers in temples) and "Thiruvillakku Puja".

A party advertisement said the special prayers are being organised seeking long life for Jayalalithaa and continuation of her good governance by winning the coming assembly polls.

Prayers were held in 122 ancient temples under the ambit of Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, besides a slew of other places of worship.

Meanwhile, Jayalalithaa launched distribution of 6,888 solar table lamps for students at the secretariat by giving away the lamps to five students.

On the occasion of her birthday, lamps are being distributed by South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce chairman C Kalyan, a government release said.