Reno Buddhist Center in Nevada (USA) welcomed the New Year in a unique service at midnight with ringing of bells and recitation of Gayatri Mantra.
Matthew Fisher lead the service and talked about “108 Impediments”; while Carole Ann Maupin lead the congregants in the song “Auld Lang Syne”; Shelley Fisher, Cathy Riordan and Matthew Fisher chanted “Shoshinge” while attendees lined up to offer incense and ring the bell; and homages were paid to Buddha-Dhamma-Sangha.
In a remarkable interfaith gesture greeting the New Year, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed recited Gayatri Mantra, considered the most sacred mantra of Hinduism, which is from Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of the mankind.