Cadres brace for Jaya's B'Day

Chennai, Feb 23 (UNI) It is festival time for lakhs of AIADMK cadres in Tamil Nadu as party supremo J Jayalalithaa turns 59 tomorrow.

As ''novelty'' is always the buzzword of Ms Jayalalithaa's birthday celebrations, party cadres and functionaries are stretching their imagination to come out with something different that will catch the fancy of their 'Amma.' Women functionaries of the party had on earlier occasions adorned 'neem leaves' dress and observed the practice of 'mann soru' (partaking food served on the ground) in temples for the well-being of Ms Jayalalithaa. Not to be outdone, their male counterparts had embarked on 'fire walking' to win Amma's grace.

According to a party functionary, various wings of the AIADMK have also held 'brain-storming sessions' to come out with ideas to celebrate her birthday in a grand and novel manner this year.

Despite an appeal by Ms Jayalalithaa to avoid any extravaganza, the partymen have planned an eclectic mix of fun and entertainment, assistance to the poor, free medical camps, sports activities and public meetings to mark the birthday of their leader.

The number of beneficiaries has been carefully chosen so that they add up to nine, considered to be Ms Jayalalithaa's lucky number. As the AIADMK General Secretary is known for her staunch religious beliefs, elaborate arrangements have been made for special prayers in all famous temples across the state.

'Archanas' and 'abhishekams' will be performed in her name on her Tamil birth star 'Masi Magam,' considered to be very auspicious.

Pulling of temple chariots, all-religious prayers and mass feeding will complete the religious rituals.

In a largesse to the poor, tricycles, sewing machines, wet grinders, iron boxes, sarees and dhotis and textbooks will be distributed.

Not to leave out youth, cricket, kabaddi, rowing and swimming competitions will be held and prizes will be distributed.

Songs particularly from old films of MGR-Jayalalithaa will be belted out and dance and drama, eulogising the party leader, will mark the fun and festivites.

Ms Jayalalithaa, in a statement earlier, had advised the cadre to serve the poor to the best of their ability instead of wasting money on unwanted things and focus on party works.

''This kind of work will give me immense satisfaction and happiness and will be the real birthday gift the party cadre can ever give,'' she said.

UNI