New Delhi, November 7, 1999 During the ceremony of the Mass, couples perform Hindu dances for John Paul II, seated on the chair behind the altar. Until his pontificate, dances were not allowed as a part of the ceremony of the Mass. Related Topics of Interest 1200 high school girls in revealing costumes perform for the Pope John Paul II being "blessed" by a Hindu religious woman Is Benedict XVI adopting a Buddhist agenda? A feminine-looking Jesuit performs a Hindu liturgical dance John Paul II kneels at the tomb of Gandhi Dancing girls perform for Cardinal Mahony Liturgical dancing over an altar in the Cleveland Diocese Bishop plays the drums in a nightclub A nude native presents the Offertory gifts for JPII's Mass