New Delhi, Jan 30 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil led the country today in paying homage to 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi on his 60th death anniversary.

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L.K. Advani also offered floral tributes at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi here.

The homage ceremony started with a prayer meeting and recitals of religious hymns from various texts.

Several functions are being organised to mark Martyrs' Day. The day is also being observed as Sarvodaya Day, Anti Leprosy Day and National Cleanliness Day.

In Gujarat, an all religion prayer was organised at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar - the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

A special five-day photo exhibition on the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi was also inaugurated at the Sabarmati Ashram today.

In January 1948, at the age of 79, Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic, as the former walked through a crowded garden in New Delhi's Birla House to attend evening prayers, less than a year after India achieved independence from British colonial rule.

Gandhi is largely credited as the architect of India's freedom struggle against 200 years of colonial rule.

His message of non-violence, uprightness and care for the poor and downtrodden is even taught today at the school level.

His decades-long non-violent movement has inspired leaders like Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama and former South African President and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. (ANI)
--MP