SEOUL: North Korea held muted celebrations Friday for the 63rd anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party, with no sign of reportedly ailing leader Kim Jong Il.

North Koreans paid their respects to his late father, the Stalinist state's founder Kim Il Sung, laying bouquets before his towering statue on Mansu Hill in the capital, Pyongyang, the North's official News Agency reported.

Students held “dancing parties'' at plazas across the country, KCNA said, to such tunes as “Our General is Best'' and “The Party Represents Our Happiness.''

The events were a far cry from the military parades of other anniversary celebrations. Analysts said the North wasn't expected toput on a lavish display for the 63rd anniversary, but it would have been a chance for the regime to quell speculation about Kim's health.

Kim, 66, reportedly suffered a stroke in August. North Korea has denied the reports. Kim, believed to have diabetes and heart disease, has missed several key holidays in recent months, most notably North Korea's60th birthday last month. Koreans consider 60th birthdays a major milestone.

In mid-August, North Korean television showed footage of Kim inspecting a military unit, but there was no mention of a public appearance for nearly two months until KCNA reported Oct. 4 that he watched a soccer game. No photos or footage were provided.

Korean Central Television made no mention Kim's activities on Friday, but an anchor read aloud commentary purportedly written by the leader on Sept. 5. The broadcaster said Kim praised North Korea's policy of “juche,'' or “self-reliance.''

Thousands attended a Mass Games performance that involved up to100, 000 dancers, singers and acrobats. Kim attended last year's Workers' Party performance but did not appear at Friday's event.