KATHMANDU:

The lobby of the Hyatt Regency was echoing with typical Nepali music as the Buddhist priests prepared for the annual puja of the nine living chaityas, which are the exact replicas of the shrines built between 7th and 19th centuries, located at the ‘Temple Court’.

As the puja started, it was the sound of ringing bells and the chanting of the priests that attracted everybody — from the hotel guests to the staff. Five priests along with five hotel representatives conducted the puja of the Chiatyas namely Bodhi Chaitya, Sumeru Chiatya, Jvalavali Chaitya, Padmavali Chiatya, Sikharakuta Chaitya, Licchavi Chaitya and Dharma Dhatumandala Chaitya. As per the Buddhist philosophy, chaityas are the symbol of the universe and each spire that circles them signifies heaven. The carving in them portrays the different forms of Buddha at meditation.

Many foreign dignitaries including the French Ambassador Gilles Henry Garault and American

Ambassador Nancy J Powell and people from different walks of life were seen observing the ceremony with much delight.