Diwali in Pakistan, through pictures

The first day of Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights – was celebrated at Krishna temple in Rawalpindi yesterday.

As a budding photojournalist and having many friends who belong to minority sects, I feel passionately about the state of affairs of the Pakistani minorities. I was, therefore, thrilled to be part of the annual Diwali celebrations for the first time.

The warm, friendly and hospitable atmosphere at the temple made my stay extremely exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed covering this colourful celebration. Here are a few highlights of my unique experience:

1) A girl performs the ‘pooja’ ritual before the Hindu deity Lord Krishna.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

2) A woman decorates her hands with henna.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

3) Men exchange greetings at the temple’s entrance.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

4) A woman lights diyas (oil lamps) and places them in various corners of the temple.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

5) A man smears tilak on devotees’ foreheads.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

6) A teenage girl performs ‘arti’ before Lord Krishna.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

7) A woman prays on Diwali.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

8) The temple was decorated with fresh flowers and candles.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

9) Hindu Pundit blows a conch shell for blessings during ‘pooja’.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

10) A man offers prayers to Hindu God Krishna.

Photo: Huma Choudhary

The Hindu community, though a very small minority, constitute an integral part of the cultural and ethnic diversity of Pakistan. They are as much a part of Pakistan as the rest of us and understanding their occasions is something we should all strive to do.

Wishing everyone around the globe a very happy Diwali and hoping that Pakistan keeps growing as a tolerant, peace-loving and inclusive nation.