Joy and cheer prevail in Pratibha Patil's 'Sasural' in Rajasthan

Jaipur, July 21 (UNI) Joy and cheers prevailed all over in the Chhoti Losal in Shekhawati region, the native village of President elect Ms Pratibha Patil's husband Dr Devi Singh Shekhawat, as their relatives and villagers celebrated her victory.

In this village of Sikar district, it was virtually another holi festival with villagers gathering at the residence of Ms Patil's brothers-in-law and the main village chowk, smearing colours and gulal on each other and dancing on the beats of Chung (a folk instrument) and tunes of musical bands.

Ms Patil's brothers-in-law Sukh Singh and Asu Singh Shekhawat were offering sweets to villagers who thronged their residence to greet the family.

A special puja and yagna which were being performed at the Karni Mata Temple, built by Ms Patil's husband Dr Shekhawat, for her victory over the past two days, was also concluded this afternoon with ''poornaahuti''.

The people of Chhoti Losal had started celebrations yesterday itself in antipicipation of her victory.

During her term as Rajasthan Governor, Ms Patil had visited this village thrice and now the village is looking forward to welcome her as the first woman President of the country.

Festivities also prevailed at the Congress state headquarters here this afternoon with party workers and leaders celebrated the UPA-Left combine's win in the presidential election by distributing sweets and bursting crackers. Party state president BD Kalla and several other leaders participated in the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has greeted Mrs Patil as the first woman president of the country.

''Mrs Patil's victory symbolised victory of democratic and secular forces in the country,'' he said.

Mr Gehlot also complimented UPA Chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi and leadership of Left Parties and the Bahujan Samaj Party for exhibiting unity and solidarity in the election to defeat those who were trying to win the election to the highest consttitional post by way of ''cross voting and manupulations''.

UNI