A Hindu woman priest will be among six religious leaders specially invited to participate in the National Prayer Service on January 21, a day after Barack Obama is sworn-in as the President of America.
Dr Uma Mysorekar, President of the Hindu Temple Society of North America will offer “responsive prayers” at the special service which will “symbolise America’s traditions of religious tolerance and freedom”, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said.
Mysorekar, a pratising gynecologist, heads the popular Ganesha temple in New York, said to be the first Hindu shrine of North America which was consecrated on July 4, 1977.
The National Prayer Service, a tradition dating back to the inauguration of George Washington, will be held at the National Cathedral at the conclusion of the inaugural events.
It will include scripture readings, prayers, hymns and blessings delivered by faith leaders from across the US.