Tirupati, Feb 18 (IANS) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and his wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala here Wednesday.
The couple, who were accompanied by some cabinet ministers and top officials, participated in the pre-dawn rituals at the famous hill shrine.
According to an official of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the temple, the Sri Lankan president took part in 'suprabhatha' conducted in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Though the visiting dignitary was entitled to a direct entry through the Mahadwaram (main entrance), he reached the temple through the Vaikuntam queue complex like a commoner.
TTD Joint Executive Officer K.S.Sreenivasa Raju and other officials welcomed the president and his entourage at the queue complex.
After participating in the rituals, Sirisena worshipped the deity.
TTD's executive officer D. Sambasiva Rao presented him with 'laddu' (sweet), sacred silk cloth, books and memento of the presiding deity. The pundits (priests) of the temple blessed him with Vedic hymns at Ranganayakula Mandapam.
Later, speaking on behalf of the Sri Lankan president, the island's eastern province Governor Austin Fernando said their four-day official visit was successful.
Talking to reporters, he thanked the government of India for its warm hospitality.
He said it was heartening that during the new president's first visit to India several agreements were signed. He also termed as 'fruitful' the talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee.
'Please don't do this', Sonu Nigam was stoned, and students started throwing bottles and stones at the singer during the concert.
Music world's veteran singer Sonu Nigam often comes into limelight for some reason or the other. Along with his songs, many times his concerts are also in the news. Recently, during a concert, the
1.01 lakh new patients found, 1.73 lakh cured and 2,444 dead; Number of new infected is lowest in 2 months
On Sunday, 1 lakh 1 thousand 159 cases of the corona were reported in the country. This figure is the lowest in the last 62 days. Earlier on April 5, the corona report of 96,563 people came positive.
Donald Trump: What are the first big decisions Trump will take as soon as he becomes president? Focus on illegal immigration and border security.
Donald Trump is going to make tough decisions immediately after taking oath as the 47th President of America. According to media reports, Trump will sign about 100 executive orders on the very first
T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand team announced for T20 World Cup, Conway returns, Williamson will captain
New Zealand has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Experienced Kane Williamson has been made the captain of the team, while Devon Conway, who was
Vistara Issue: 70 Vistara flights may be canceled today, and 160 flights delayed since the last day; Know the reason
Many flights of Vistara Airlines have been canceled again today. According to media reports, the company's five flights to New Delhi, three to Bangalore, and two to Kolkata have been canceled. Vistara
Indian Economy: By the end of the decade, India will overtake Britain to become the third largest economy in the world
India will overtake the UK to become the third largest economy in the world by the end of this decade. So both countries need to work together. British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said the two
'Sanatana Dharma Certificate is needed because...' What demand did Pawan Kalyan put forward on the purity of Prasad across the country?
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan continuously attacks Jagan Mohan Reddy's previous government over the Tirupati Balaji Laddu controversy. He has said that he is earnest about the
Pakistan: Frustrated Pakistan retaliated, entered Iran, and carried out an air strike; The minister had warned yesterday
Frustrated Pakistan retaliated against Iran on Thursday. Pakistani Air Force entered the border of Iran and attacked alleged terrorist hideouts on Thursday. These terrorist hideouts belonged to Baloch
Corona vaccination work to be completed by December in the country, Health Ministry has prepared the complete roadmap
The country is increasingly vaccinated during the Corona epidemic. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the vaccination work in India will be completed by December. The Health Ministry has so
Anurag Thakur criticized New York Times, saying- Foreign media spreading propaganda against India and PM
Union Minister Anurag Thakur has criticized some foreign newspapers. He also commented on the American newspaper New York Times. He said that the New York Times had long ago given up its claims of