On 23rd May 2021, at Bharat Bhavan, Wellington Indian Association, soothing sounds of prayers and chanting in various languages could be heard echoing throughout the Hall as the participants and the audience became One. Prayers were offered in the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh traditions as well as Hindu.
(Chanting by Buddhist group Soka Gakkai International.)
This was a unique event, the first of its kind in Aotearoa, and possibly the world, where many Indian faith groups came together for a single purpose – to offer prayers, positivity and hope to all those in the world, Southeast Asia and India impacted by the current pandemic and to offer support to all of us here who are affected and cannot be with our loved ones in these difficult times.
(Prayers and reading by Christian group from St. Peter’s Church)
The collaborative prayer had the support of many organisations such as the Office of Ethnic Communities, United Nations Association NZ, Wellington Interfaith Council and Coexistence Wellington as well as many other faith groups and civic organisations.
(All Hindu organisations chanting in unison)
The event was very well attended by around 300 people of all ethnicities and included the deputy Mayor, local Councillors and representatives from the Indian High Commission.
(All the faith groups and volunteers involved in the Praying for India event)
All in all a successful event especially as our prayers seem to be getting results – the numbers in India are going down!!
There were many comments of support :
— Rinu and Sherin from St. Peter’s Church “Thank you for organising this event, it was heartening to see the walls between us dissolve, with people from different traditions coming to pray ”
— Abhishek Sharma “Great fusion of multifaith prayers – provided me with an absolute mesmerising experience of another world”
— Diana “Amazing achievement – getting so many organisations together – a fully immersive experience – really enjoyed the meditations”
— Luke Qin ” Truly spiritual atmosphere in the space – with the focus on prayers. We need to have more of these gatherings.”
— Atul ” Session should have been longer! ”
Submitted by Kiran Thakrar (Hindu Council – Wellington) and Manjit Grewal (Ekta NZ)
Photos courtesy of VinithShiva Photography