KATHMANDU, NEPAL, December 12, 2005: Haridwar, the holy city in Uttar Anchal, North India, witnessed a different Arati (offering of lights) in Harki Paidi, the central bathing ghat, offered by thousands of devout Nepali and Indians on the November 18, 2005. They had traveled to Haridwar at the behest of their Guru, Ananta Shree Bhibhushit Muktinath Pithdiswor Swami Kamal Nayan Acharya of Muktinath, Nepal, to take part in the Mahayagya. In an unprecedented move of religious conviction, Swami Jee had taken a Maha Sangkalpa (vow) to perform the Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya in Haridwar to pray for peace in Nepal and the world. The success of the Mahayagya (a great religious ceremony) meant that the image of Nepal was presented in a positive manner, and goodwill gained for Lord Muktinath, for Shaligrams and in general for the people of Nepal. The extolling of a Nepali Swami in the highest of terms by all dignitaries and common people present at the Mahayagya was also a matter of pride for all Nepalis.
The hand-prepared wicker and butter lights for the Yagya on the November 18 had exceeded the stipulated 10 million lights brought from Nepal and reached a whopping 20 million by the time the lights were actually lit. The lights all seemed to light up by themselves as Swami Jee took the blessings of Ganga Mata and offered his Arati. Devotees bathed in the holy river, offered prayers for peace and sang bhajans. Many remarked (including the saints) that they had never seen such a sight in their lives before nor would they see it in the future.
The morning of the November 17 witnessed the grand Kalash Yatra for peace. It turned out a huge gathering of saints, devotees, intellectuals and the public. A large container, of the height of Swami Kamal Nayan Acharya, carried the holy waters of the Krishna Gandaki and Ganga Rivers. “Pancha Kanyas” dressed in Nepali Style, a majestic elephant, music bands and horse carriages, created a grand sight.