Vedic Shanti Path Recited On The National Day of Prayer Service At White House

The National Day of Prayer Service was marked at the Rose Garden of the White House on Thursday (7 May). Religious leaders from different faiths offered prayers.

On the occasion, the reciting of the sacred Vedic Shanti Path made its sacred presence felt amid prayers for the health, safety and well being of people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The National Day of Prayer in the United States, an annual observance, which was first conducted publicly in 1988. Every year, people gather across the US to pray together for their nation.

Owing to the Covid-19 spread in the US, the occasion was observed via digital platforms. US First Lady Melania Trump was present at the occasion.

Pujari Harish Brahmbhatt from the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey, who was invited by US President Donald Trump, offered a rendition of the Shanti Path.

Brahmbhatt spoke about the significance of the Shanti Path "the vedic prayer from the Yajur Veda."

The Sputnik quoted Brahmbhatt as saying: “In these troubled times of COVID-19, social distancing and lockdown, it is not unusual for people to feel anxious or not at peace. The shanti prayer or peace prayer does not seek worldly riches, success, fame, nor is it a prayer for any desire for heaven."

The Times of India has said in its report that it is probably the first time that a "priest" from the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey has been invited to recite prayers at the White House.