An inter-religious prayer meeting marked the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation at Rajghat, the samadhi of Gandhi, where leaders, children, youth and women paid their respects.

The United Nations has declared the day as the International Non-Violence Day.

Besides Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Defence Minister A K Antony, former prime minister I K Gujral, Minister of State for PMO Prithviraj Chavan and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit paid floral tributes at the Rajghat.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, who is on a visit to India, also went to the Raj Ghat and paid floral tributes. She was accompanied by her father Deepak Pandya and other family members.

Hymns from various sacred texts were also rendered by Hindus, Jains, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs and Judaists.