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Devotees Pray for Peace

IPOH: As the world was busy celebrating Christmas, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) of Ipoh was praying for world peace.

About 70 devotees of the Hare Krishna movement took part in a parade here recently to spread the message of peace and to promote racial harmony. Some of the devotees were from England, Australia and Russia.

The devotees, dressed in colourful traditional Indian costumes, sang and danced in the streets, following the Sri Jagannath and Sri Venkatachalapathy's chariot.

They also distributed snacks, flyers and music CDs to passers-by.

Similar events are being organised worldwide in conjunction with the movement's 23rd Ratha Yatra or chariot festival.

The chariot procession began at 5pm near the Buntong Mariamman Temple Hall.

H.D.G. Bhakti Vigna Vignasa Narasimha Swami, who is from England, led the two-hour procession.

Ipoh Iskcon regional manager Patita Tarana Jagannathan Das said the association, recognised worldwide, would continue to spread the message of peace and harmony.

Iskcon, a non-profitable organisation, was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

It has more than 400 centres worldwide, including 60 farm communities, which are self-sufficient, about 50 schools, and 90 restaurants. By Kalavaani Karupiah.