Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was accorded high-level ritualistic Hindu religious respect when he attended the Shree Swaminarayan Silver Jubilee Celebrations in Nairobi on December 22.
During the event held at Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Parklands, Nairobi, Mudavadi arrived at the event with a procession of the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band.
The band is a world-renowned Scottish-style bagpipe band integral to the celebrations of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan.
The PCS then paid his respects to the Indian god and later went to greet the spiritual leader Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj and took the seat beside him.
By sitting next to the religious leader, the Swaminarayan community was recognising Mudavadi and the Kenyan government, giving him diplomatic respect.
Mudavadi then proceeded to give the religious leader flowers, which the leader wore around his neck. This symbolised a welcome gesture and also signified the Kenyan government’s recognition and respect for the Swaminarayan community.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary was also awarded flowers as blessings and a yellow cloth and was also marked with a red mark.
The red mark, which is called a Chandlo, is a red circular dot made of saffron powder (kumkum) placed in the centre of the Tilak, representing a devotee.
The yellow cloth often seen on the deities and gurus and occasionally worn by devotees is called a Khes. The cloth signifies divine presence.
Mudavadi also wore the white headgear known as a 'Pagh' or 'Pagri'. It is a traditionally tied turban that holds deep spiritual and historical significance within the tradition.
In his speech, Mudavadi recognised the role of the religious community in the country, underscoring how their practice is in accordance with the constitution.
Mudavadi also used the opportunity to wish Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
