Families gather for pooja, rangoli and festive rituals while temples dazzle with lights
Traditional lamps to light during Diwali celebrations. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Hindu community of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated Diwalithe Festival of Lights, Monday, with joy and devotion.
As the Krishna Mandir in Saddar, Rawalpindi, is still under construction, the main celebrations took place at the Gracey Line Mandir and the historic Lal Kurti Mandir.
Families, decked out in vibrant traditional outfits and carrying illuminated trays of diyas (oil lamps), enthusiastically participated in the evening festivities with deep religious fervor.
Sweets were happily distributed and prasad shared, since the celebrations began at 5 p.m. and continued until late at 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 glows diyas and colorful rangoli designs made from rice flour and flowers. People wore new clothes, exchanged sweets and gifts with their friends and relatives, worshiped their gods and celebrated the festival with fireworks.
The origins of the festival lie in the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, accompanied by his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman. For Hindus, Diwali is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, deity of wealth and prosperity, who is welcomed into homes on this auspicious occasion.
The temples were beautifully lit with multi-colored lights, vibrant streamers and large oil lamps, creating a surprisingly festive atmosphere. Households were also adorned with candles, diyas and decorative lights, while elaborate rangoli designs – a central element of Diwali – embellished the floors.
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubSaid Sardar Heera Lal, Chairman, Hindu-Sikh Welfare Council of Pakistan, 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, houses are renovated and freshly painted. On Diwali evening, diyas are lit indoors and outdoors – in courtyards, windows and streets – while special prayers are offered to the goddess Lakshmi.
Om Prakash Narain, head of the 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 arranging and lighting diyas in circular patterns on the ground, distributing colorful sweets, and sharing celebratory meals.
Learn more: Diwali celebrations kick off in Sindh
Om Prakash Narain and Sardar Heera Lal expressed their patriotism and solidarity by saying, “Pakistan is our homeland – it is our pride and identity. Under the Green Crescent Flag, we are united as one nation.”
They urged the authorities to fulfill the long-pending demand for a cremation ground (Shamshan Ghat) by allocating 4-5 kanals of land near Rawalpindi and Islamabad for a cremation ground and temple. They also demanded a fixed quota for educated Hindu youth in public sector jobs, universities and colleges, saying: “We are Pakistanis first, Hindus second.”
Community leaders also congratulated the Pakistan Armed Forces for their achievements against India and Afghanistan, describing their successes as a source of national pride.
They expressed gratitude to local Muslim residents, traders and traders living near the Lal Kurti and Gracey Line temples for their support and cooperation, especially in helping to ensure the safety of the festivities and the Hindu community.
