Devotees light lamps and pray for world peace in Varanasi

Varanasi, June 10 : Hundreds of devotees belonging to Jain religion have gathered on the banks of Ganges River here to pray for world peace by lighting lamps.

The devotees said that by lighting lamps, they were wishing that the world was illuminated with peace and prosperity.

"The lamps lighted here may dispel all the darkness in the world, and spread harmony amongst all," said Devichand Malecha, a devotee.

"We are praying for the peace, prosperity, of all the people in the world and so we have lighted up these lamps," said Mahavir, another devotee.

In the wake of recent increase in terror activities in the country, such prayers and events are an effort by the people to spread the message of peace and harmony in the world.

Varanasi, which is one of the most holy places of Hindus, is equally revered by Jains being the birthplace of one of the holy Jain saints, the 23rd Tirthankar Parsvanath.

ANI