'International Day of Peace' celebrations in Nevada to open with Shanti Mantra

Nevada (US), Sept 8 (ANI): Noted Religious statesman Rajan Zed will open the 'International Day of Peace' celebrations in Reno (Nevada, USA) with 'Om shanti shanti shanti' on September 19.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Global Council on Environment, will also read peace related United Nations (UN) document on the occasion.

The International Day of Peace, established by UN General Assembly and observed each year on September 21, is an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. "The UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace".

Sponsored by Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace in Wingfield Park, about 40 community groups are expected to participate in this Peace Fair which will include folk and rock music, dance, art, yoga, displays, etc. It will offer exploration of ways of creating a culture of peace and shall feature Jonie Blinman, Mississippi Mitch, The Notables, Kim Elise, Chris Good, Sage Heart, Hip Hop dancers, Greek folk dancers, etc., according to Lisa Stiller, one of the organizers.

"Shanti" means peace but can also be interpreted as "perfect transcendent peace". "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, is used in Hinduism to introduce and conclude religious work. Ancient Hindu scriptures Upanishads generally end with "Om shanti shanti shanti".

Rajan Zed is one of the panelists for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced jointly by Newsweek and washingtonpost.com. He has been awarded "World Interfaith Leader Award" by National Association of Interchurch and Interfaith Families. (ANI)