Melody of shehnai marks Sonia's advent to senior citizenship

Varanasi, Dec 9 (UNI) It was the melody of shehnai coupled with sweetness of cake and unrivalling flavour of truly Benarasi 'Kachauri-Jalebi' which marked the 60th birthday celebrations of Congress President Sonia Gandhi here today.

A grand birthday bash was organised at the District Youth Congress Office to mark Ms Gandhi's advent to senior citizenship.

The bash began with the Congress workers cutting the five-kg birthday cake amid the melody of shehnai being played by traditionally attired musicians.

''This is the land of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan and their can be no better way than providing melodious greetings to our leader on her 60th birthday through the shehnai,'' District Youth Congress president Daya Shankar Mishra 'Dayalu' said amid the chants of ''Happy B'day Soniaji tum jiyo hazaro saal'' by party workers.

The musical greeting was ensued by an out and out Benarasi lunch comprising crispy 'Kachauries,' spicy 'Tarkari' and juicy 'Jalebis,' which has long been the hallmark of city's culinary basket.

''We wanted to celebrate Soniaji's birthday in truly Banarasi style, which is why we opted for the desi menu for the birthday bash,'' Mr Mishra added.

The function was attended among others by Congress corporators Rajendra Mishra and Anisur Rehman.

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