New Delhi: Yesterday, President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and many other Congress leaders paid honor to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi on his 63rd birthday.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Defence Minister A.K Antony were amongst those who paid floral tributes to Mr. Gandhi.

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi together with her son Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra and their two children were among the first to reach 'Vir Bhumi', the departed leader’s memorial, to pay homage.

A cultural programme was also arranged in his remembrance that included rendering of patriotic songs accompanied by a traditional dance performance.

Youth Congress workers present on the occasion shouted slogans in memory of the former Prime Minister.

Meira Kumar, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and many other Congress leaders, including Margaret Alva and DPCC Chief Rambabu Sharma, also paid homage to the departed soul.