Obamas call on President Patil

NEW DELHI - US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle called on Indian President Pratibha Patil at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Monday evening, officials said here.

The meeting was held in the Morning Room of the presidential palace. Done up in bright yellow, the room is adorned with Ajanta-style paintings and has been personally redecorated by the Indian president.

The Morning Room was chosen over the North Drawing Room, which is usually reserved to meet visiting heads of states.

After their half-hour meeting, the Obamas are to take a walk around the beautiful Mughal Gardens, lighted specially for the occasion. They are to attend a grand reception later at the garden, where a spectacular cultural extravaganza has been organised.

The entire Rashtrapati Bhavan has been decorated for the occasion. The steps of the main entrance have been decorated with lighted earthen diyas, and the passage leading to the majestic Presidential palace decorated with flowers and colourful rangoli designs.

The Obamas leave here Tuesday morning for Indonesia.