Locals of Bahanaga and nearby areas in Odisha, India, gathered to organize a Mahayajna and prayers on Monday for the 288 passengers who lost their lives in the June 2 train crash. The residents of Bahanaga, Soro, and Balasore came together to take part in the Biswa Shanti Mahayajna, Astaprahari Nama Sankirtan, Akhanda Gayatri mantra, and Dipadan. Various religious leaders conducted a ‘Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha’ (an all-faith prayer) at the ground where people prayed for the departed souls and the injured. The organizers arranged the program, keeping in mind that people from various religions were killed and injured in the accident.
The residents observed the 10th day ritual for the deceased of the triple-train accident on Sunday. Over 100 people shaved their heads at a pond near the Bahanaga Bazar accident site as part of the ritual. People also observed all rituals that are usually done when a family member dies. Debajyoti Dasmohapatra, a member of the organizing committee, mentioned that they have rescued hundreds of people from the accident-hit trains and recovered many bodies with the help of rescuers, despite the religion of many of the deceased still unknown. Thus, they organized this all-religion program to pay tribute to the unfortunate deceased.
On the 12th day, Tuesday, an Amrutadhara Satsang and a candlelight march will be conducted by Ritambhara International Organisation. We are praying for the speedy recovery and longer life of the injured, said Sarat Raj, one of the organizers. This incident is a reminder that people from all walks of life can come together during a tragedy.
