Virtual havan for Covid-19

A MASS virtual yajna or havan to pray for healing in South Africa amid Covid-19 has been planned for Sunday.

Prayers will take place at the ABH in Chatsworth and at Radhe Shyam Mandir in Marlboro, Sandton, Johannesburg.

A prayer has also been planned for Kenya.

The event has been organised by the World Hindu Foundation South Africa (WHF-SA), World Hindu Pundits Organisation (WHPO) and the Gauteng

Hindus Facebook page.

Pravesh Hurdeen, the chairperson of WHF-SA, said: “We have two venues that will be conducting the havan but we also encourage families to participate from their own homes, virtually.

“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been severe to most families. The prayer will seek to bring comfort and solace to all those who have lost loved ones and to also cleanse the atmosphere of such diseases.

“Our intention is to contribute towards healing, to build unity, and to create harmony in the world community. By lighting a lamp or offering, the sacrifice into the holy fire, humanity reflects the spirit of surrender and sacrifice so that all beings can be at peace.”

Hurdeen said the yajna was open to everyone, not just Hindus and he expected people from Kenya, Nigeria, Lesotho, Singapore, India and Mauritius to watch.

“We will cross to various parts of the country and globally. All families are invited to participate from the comfort of their homes and link up to Facebook and YouTube.”

Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the

South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the Sabha did not recognise the WHF or their initiative.

“The South African Hindu Maha Sabha was not consulted or invited for this event. We have heard about it unofficially but no invite has been extended by any of the members.”

He said mass havans took place regularly.

“The Divine Life Society and the Chinmaya Mission of South Africa conduct these havans regularly. People are also welcome to partake in their havans if and when they please.”