Source

JAIPUR, INDIA, January 22, 2005: Rajasthan is busy preparing prayers “for the state’s welfare” about to be held for the third time since the highly religious Vasundhara Raje became chief minister in December 2003. The prayers will be held March 21-29, just before Rajasthan Day March 30. The special prayers, or maha arati, will be conducted by 11 priests at select places of worship in the state capital. “We are identifying the temples,” said a senior official in the Devasthan Department. Sources in the state government said the special prayers are being held at the request of Chief Minister Raje who is considered to be very religious. During December 2003 and January 2004, the Devasthan, or temple administration, department had conducted prayers at 155 places, including temples, churches, mosques and gurdwaras throughout the state, as that period was considered inauspicious in the Hindu calendar. Again, in June 2004, the state government held special prayers for good monsoon rains. Besides holding prayers on the occasion of the 56th Rajasthan Day celebrations, the state government also plans to hold 10-day festivities depicting the state’s rich cultural heritage, tradition and chivalry.

Post Views: 559