PM Modi's birthday celebrated in Varanasi, prayers offered at Sankalp Siddhi Hanuman Temple

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 17 (ANI): On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 73rd birthday, celebrations were held in Varanasi with prayers offered at Sankalp Siddhi Hanuman Temple on Sunday. 
Instead of a cake, a 73-kg-laddoo cake was cut on the occasion. Varanasi is the Parliamentary constituency of PM Modi. 

The 'Akhand Ramayana Path' was also held at the temple. 
Meanwhile, on Varanasi's Ganga Ghat, the 'Ganga Aarti' was performed. 

Visuals showed that people were holding a portrait of PM Modi and performing the 'Jalabhishek' at the Ganga Ghat. 

"Today is the 73rd birthday of the glorious Prime Minister of the country. We performed the Ganga Aarti' at the Ganga Ghat wishing him a long and healthy life. We have prayed that under the leadership of PM Modi, the country keeps moving on the path of development. May our country be recognised as 'Vishwa Guru'", a local told ANI. 


Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to the Prime Minister on his birthday. 
Taking to 'X', President Murmu wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister @narendramodi on his birthday. May you pave the way for the holistic development of Bharat with your far-reaching vision and strong leadership. May you always lead a happy and healthy life and benefit the countrymen with your wonderful leadership".
Union Minister Amit Shah also greeted PM Modi. 
"I wish a very happy birthday to the popular Prime Minister of the country, @narendramodi Ji, who has brought prosperity and confidence in the lives of crores of people through his foresight, tireless hard work and selfless service. I pray to god for your long and healthy life", Shah wrote on 'X'. 
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari took to 'X' and greeted the PM. 
"Happy Birthday to Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji! May you lead a long and healthy life. May the country witness the end of corruption, fear and hunger under your leadership. May our country acquire the position of 'Vishwa Guru' again", Gadkari wrote in an 'X' post. 
PM Narendra Modi will launch a 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme today for the benefit of traditional artisans.
The event will take place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi on Sunday at around 11 am, according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
The "PM Vishwakarma" scheme reflects the steadfast commitment of PM Modi to support and uplift individuals engaged in traditional crafts, it said.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi announced that the government will soon launch a scheme for individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship.
His vision extends beyond providing financial assistance; it aims to preserve age-old traditions, culture, and the rich heritage embodied in local products, art, and crafts, the release said."PM Vishwakarma" will receive full funding from the Union Government, with an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.
The scheme will register 'Vishwakarma', who create using their hands and tools, at no cost through Common Services Centres, utilising the biometric-based 'PM Vishwakarma' portal. These artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, read the press release.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme will offer skill enhancement through both basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support, read the press release.
At its core, "PM Vishwakarma" seeks to bolster and nurture the 'Guru-Shishya parampara' (mentor-disciple tradition) and the family-based practice of traditional skills among 'Vishwakarma', who create using their hands and tools. (ANI)