New Delhi: The nation on October 2 paid tributes to late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the occasion of his 99th birth anniversary.

A host of dignitaries including President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit paid homage to the late leader who gave the country the slogan "jai jawan jai kisan" at his Vijay Ghat samadhi.

Among the first to visit the samadhi to pay their respects were his sons Anil Shastri and Sunil Shastri.

The occasion was marked by various programmes beginning with a Geeta recital at the samadhi. Excerpts of Shastri's speeches were also played.

Later, members paid floral tributes before his portrait in the central hall of Parliament.

Celebrations were also held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial with patriotic song recital.

Delhi Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor, Delhi Chief Minister and various other MPs and Congress leaders were present on the occassion.

PTI