Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's entourage took advantage of a brief stop on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway to wish him on his 79^th birthday, which he celebrates on December 25.

Vajpayee had been to Lucknow on Wednesday on a day's visit. While returning to the national capital, his aircraft was diverted to Jaipur owing to poor visibility at the Delhi airport.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje received the prime minister at Jaipur airport.

After a half-hour stay in the Pink City, the prime minister decided to undertake the 250km road journey as several engagements have been lined up in Delhi on December 25. Raje accompanied him to Delhi.

On the way, the entourage stopped at 'Mid-way', a Rajasthan Tourism Development establishment, to celebrate his birthday. A cake was cut and sweets were distributed, PMO sources said..

After the birthday celebrations in Delhi, Vajpayee is slated to return to Rajasthan on Thursday evening for a four-day sojourn.