In the wake of the COVID-19 surge afflicting Nepal, the Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, and delegation offered special prayers of peace and good health for the people of Nepal by performing abhishek puja at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles, California on June 5, 2021.
Joining Ambassador Khatiwada was a ten member Nepalese delegation including his spouse Mrs. Kamala Devi Khatiwada, Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Los Angeles Mr. Rishi Dhakal and spouse Mrs. Bimala Dhakal, Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Washington State Mr. AC Sherpa, Nepal Embassy Economic Counselor Mr. Homkanta Bhandari and President of Shree Pashupatinath Foundation USA Mr Mukunda Dhungana.
Ambassador Khatiwada and the delegation were traditionally greeted by Pujya Divyacharandas Swami, head Swami of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles and Pujya Shantmunidas Swami.
The Nepalese delegation offered their respects at Mandir, admired the art and architecture and viewed the mandir exhibition. The highlight of the visit saw the delegation pray for good health, safety and peace for the people of Nepal by offering a special abhishek puja to the murti of Shri Neelkanth Varni.
“It is an honor to be here, in such a sacred place. I am very proud that in the United States, in California, the South Asian population, especially Hindus, have a place like this to call home. Temples like this are always symbols of faith and peace. I appreciate the art, culture, structure and the devotion to make such temples a reality,” said Ambassador Khatiwada.
In the visit’s conclusion, BAPS Charities, the charitable arm of BAPS, donated $5,000 to the Government of Nepal’s COVID relief efforts to support the country’s efforts to curb the current surge of COVID-19 throughout Nepal.