Marked by a rare public appearance by the ailing party supremo Kanshi Ram, the birthday celebration of Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Saturday was a relatively austere affair.

The key function to celebrate Behenji's 48th birthday, held at her residence in Lucknow, was largely a family affair.
 
The BSP leader, dressed in a saffron silk suit, cut the cake amidst chanting of slogans by party workers. She offered the first piece to Kanshi Ram who could be seen breaking into sobs from time to time.

No leaders from other parties were present at the function in sharp contrast to the last year when prominent leaders from other parties, including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi [Images], had visited Mayawati's residence to greet her.