Hindu community celebrates return of light and righteousness with prayers, sweets, and shared commitment to harmony
Across Pakistan, from the bustling streets of Karachi to the serene sands of Cholistan, the Hindu community marked Diwali with devotion, festivity, and a reaffirmation of faith in goodness and unity.
The festival, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, filled temples and homes with the glow of clay lamps, the scent of incense, and the hum of prayers. In Karachi celebrations took place at Swami Narayan Temple, where families offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings of prosperity and peace.
In Lahore, the historic Krishna Mandir on Ravi Road became a beacon of light as devotees gathered to honour Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. The lighting of diya [lamp], the exchange of sweets, and vibrant ‘rangoli’ decorations infused the night with warmth and colour, reflecting an enduring cultural spirit.
The same spirit resonated in desert villages in Cholistan as well as in Thar, where communities celebrated with traditional simplicity. Rows of earthen lamps shimmered outside homes and temples, while collective prayers and songs echoed through the evening.
The festivities carried a message of harmony – emphasising responsible celebrations with limited fireworks to prevent pollution. Authorities, with the support of volunteers, ensured a safe and peaceful environment, underscoring a growing commitment to what community leaders called a “Green Diwali.”
Charitable organisations extended the spirit of giving by distributing food and gift packs among underprivileged families. Their efforts ensured that the festival’s light reached every home, embodying Diwali’s essence of compassion and sharing.
In Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and abroad, calling Diwali “a festival of lights that celebrates the victory of hope over despair.”
He praised the Hindu community’s contribution to the country’s social, economic, and cultural fabric, reiterating the government’s resolve to uphold equality and religious freedom as envisioned by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
From urban temples to rural villages, Diwali in Pakistan this year was not merely a celebration of faith but a vivid expression of unity in diversity. The flicker of every lamp stood as a testament to shared humanity – a reminder that even in challenging times, light endures, binding communities together in peace, devotion, and hope.
