Narendra Modi fasts for communal harmony, Vaghela in protest

Narendra Modi began his 61st b'day by seeking his mother's blessings in a televised moment, tweeted about his whereabouts, seeking support for his sadbhavna (amity) mission and reached the Gujarat university exhibition hall exactly on time for his three-day fast for communal harmony.

Birthday wishes are coming from near and far and six kms away to be precise from Congress veteran and Modi's one-time RSS colleague Shankarsinh Vaghela, who is fasting too - in protest against Mr Modi's fast.

Mr Vaghela, surrounded by Congressmen all in Gandhi caps, began his fast at the Gandhi Ashram an hour before Mr Modi's.

He will end two hours after Mr Modi does and has sent across a message - "I wish Mr Modi happy birthday and hope he will get sadbuddhi (better sense)."

Coming Up: How the day unfolded...

Narendra Modi lights a ceremonial lamp.

Chants of religious songs and mantras could be heard in the background while Modi lit the lamp.

In his speech, Modi said that the world was talking about the development of Gujarat, a state that lifted itself quickly from the twin setbacks of earthquake and riots 10 years ago.

Narendra Modi begins fast with LK Advani by his side.

"I thank everyone for extending their support to Gujarat's Sadbhavna mission," Mr Modi said addressing the gathering.

"Gujarat's development is being discussed across the India and world," he added.

Modi was tied a turban.

Modi settles on the stage wearing a white turban.

Narendra Modi arrives at the Gujarat university exhibition hall.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani arrives at the venue.

Senior party leader LK Advani and Arun Jaitley join Modi.

Modi with other ministers on stage.

Coming Up: When Modi sought his mother's blessings...

Gujarat's Chief Minister is celebrating his 61st b'day by fasting for communal harmony.

Dressed in a blue kurta, Modi touched his mother's feet and spent some moments with her.

Narendra Modi with his mother. They sat on a traditional swing while Modi sought blessings from his mother.

He met his mother Narmada Bai for birthday blessings. Modi's mother has reportedly gifted the book (in pic) to his son on his birthday.

He spend some time with his mother before heading for his fast.

on his way, he tweeted, "On my way to the venue of fast for #Sadbhavana Mission. Join the Prayer for Togetherness, in person or online."

Congress leader and former union minister Shankersinh Vaghela (right) begins his three-day fast at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad today (September 17).

Congress veteran and Modi's one-time RSS colleague Shankarsinh Vaghela is fasting too - in protest against Mr Modi's fast.

Mr Vaghela, surrounded by Congressmen, all of whom are in Gandhi caps, has begun his fast at the Gandhi Ashram an hour before Mr Modi's.

Gujarat university exhibition hall where Mr Modi will be fasting. The hall is said to be air-conditioned and has a rent of Rs 5 lakh a day, there is tight security, 6000 chairs for those who will watch Mr Modi fast on a very large stage.

People waiting in the hall for Narendra Modi.

People gather as Narendra Modi takes the stage.

The three-day fast is all about Modi. He is the actor, director and script writer of the show. There are no BJP flags, no hoardings with smiling faces of Vajpayee, Advani and Gadkari. It signals is that there is room for just one leader at the top in the party. Modi has taken the head start saying two is a crowd.