Families gather to enjoy pooja, Rangoli and festive rituals as temples dazzle with lights
Traditional lamps to illuminate Diwali celebrations. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Hindu community of the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, celebrated diwalithe Festival of Lights, on Monday, with joy and devotion.
As the Krishna Mandir in Saddar, Rawalpindi, is still under construction, the main celebrations were held at Gracey Line Mandir and the historic Lal Kurti Mandir.
Families, adorned in vibrant traditional attire and carrying trays illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), enthusiastically participated in the evening’s festivities with deep religious fervor.
Sweets were distributed with joy and prasada shared, as the celebrations began at 5 pm and continued late into the night. The ceremonies included the singing of devotional hymns and special prayers for the peace, prosperity and progress of Pakistan.
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Diwali, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu religion, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Traditionally, houses are decorated with bright lights. diyas and colorful Rangoli patterns made with rice flour and flowers. People wore new clothes, exchanged sweets and gifts with friends and family, worshiped their gods, and celebrated the holiday with fireworks.
The origins of the festival have their roots in the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. For Hindus, Diwali is also associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is welcomed into homes on this auspicious occasion.
The temples were beautifully illuminated with multi-coloured lights, vibrant bunting and large oil lamps, creating a strikingly festive atmosphere. Homes were equally adorned with candles, diyas and decorative lights, while elaborate Rangoli designs, a centerpiece of Diwali, adorned the floors.
talking to The express PAkGazetteAs Sardar Heera Lal, president of the Hindu-Sikh Welfare Council of Pakistan, said, Diwali brings families, relatives and friends together to share happiness and strengthen the bonds of love and harmony. “The essence of Diwali lies in spreading affection and brotherhood,” he remarked.
Lal explained that in the days leading up to the festival, the houses are renovated and freshly painted. On the night of Diwali, diyas are lit both indoors and outdoors (in courtyards, windows and streets) while special prayers are offered to the goddess Lakshmi.
Om Prakash Narain, director of Lal Kurti Mandir, described Diwali as a time when the Hindu community decorates homes and temples, sings devotional songs and participates in religious rituals. A key ritual involves placing and lighting diyas in circular patterns on the ground, distributing colorful sweets, and sharing festive meals.
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Both Om Prakash Narain and Sardar Heera Lal expressed their patriotism and solidarity and stated, “Pakistan is our motherland, it is our pride and identity. Under the green crescent flag, we are united as one nation.”
They urged the authorities to address the long-standing demand for a cremation site (Shamshan Ghat) by allocating a 4-5 kanal plot near Rawalpindi and Islamabad for a cremation site and a temple. They also called for a fixed quota for educated Hindu youth in public sector jobs, universities and colleges, stating: “We are Pakistanis first, Hindus second.”
Community leaders also praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their achievements against India and Afghanistan, describing their successes as a source of national pride.
They expressed their gratitude to the local Muslim residents, traders and merchants living near the Lal Kurti and Gracey Line temples for their support and cooperation, particularly in helping to ensure the safety of the festivities and the Hindu community.
