After his morning puja at 8.30 am, Pramukh Swami Maharaj announced before an assembly of devotees, "Let us offer dhun (prayers) so that the terrorists, who have hijacked our plane, release our people from the distressing and terrifying situation. May God give the terrorists the good mind to release all the hostages safely."
Then, Swamishri and the entire assembly chanted the Swaminarayan dhun for five minutes. After the prayers Swamishri added, "Now, after chanting the dhun, God will be merciful and see the release of everyone. Let us also pray for the departed soul of our former President of India, Shri Shankardayal Sharma. May God bless his soul with peace and happiness."