Picture Gallery: Gandhi's Birthday

Indians have been marking the 133rd birth anniversary of one of their most revered leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, who fought against British colonial rule through non-violent means.

But his message of peace and communal harmony has been overshadowed by recurrent religious clashes in the Mahatama's own state of Gujarat.

133 children dress as Gandhi in Lucknow to mark the 133rd birthday

Peace activists use the occasion to highlight the message for peace

In Calcutta, political groups marked the annivesary by condemning Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee marked the day with traditional respects

Opposition leader Sonia Gandhi was among the first visitors to the memorial

Veteran Gandhi followers in Gujarat spent the day in quiet reflection