So every morning for a half hour before breakfast, and every evening for a half hour before supper, the members gather before the shrine room in each house. Incense and oil lamps burn before the Asha Niketan prayer banner, which features the symbols of nine different faiths encircling a L'Arche boat. Strings of marigolds complete the centrepiece, which the participants gaze at during their meditation. From time to time one of the members starts a chant or a prayer song and the others join in. Eventually one of the core members brings out the book of readings. This is a binder with readings from Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, the Judeo-Christian Bible, and the Qu'ran.

Each reading is written twice, once in English, once in the local language. Both languages are read, then after a little more meditation another core member picks up the arati. This is a brass tray for burning camphor. The participants wave their hands over the flame, then over their heads, as a way of blessing the light inside with the light of the fire. Finally everyone exchanges shanti, or peace, with the hands folded as in prayer.

This beautiful blended prayer tradition is a rare example of unity in a country that is often torn by inter-religious strife. It is also a powerful example to us in the developing world, who struggle to put prayer closer to the centre of our lives.

(Watch the videoclip)