Festival of lights: People in city come together for Diwali

Hindu leader condemns violence against Indian Muslims

LAHORE: Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Muslims in the city celebrated Diwali together on Sunday, giving a message of co-existence.

Events were held to celebrate the festival of lights at Krishna and Balmiki temples in the provincial capital.

While addressing the participants on the occasion, Hindu Sudhar Sabha President Amarnath Randhawa said people light clay lamps and enjoy in the sparkles of fireworks to mark the end of darkness, as this is what the festival is about.



During his speech, Randhawa condemned atrocities towards Muslims of India.

The priest at a temple, Manohar Chand, said he was pleased to see followers of other faiths join them in festivity.

Celebrations at the temples started with cutting of a cake and lightening of candles.

Celebrations begin

Also present on the occasion, Hindu Sudhar Sabha Secretary General Arun Kumar said Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival reminds all human beings to live together.

He told The Express Tribune that Diwali is celebrated every year in autumn. It is the last religious festival of the Hindu calendar, he added. He maintained preparations and rituals typically extend over five days, but the main day is that of Kartik, the lunar month of Hindu calendar.

A night before the Diwali festivities begin, people clean and decorate their homes and offices, he said.



“However, on Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up lamps and candles inside and outside their homes, participate in family prayers, commonly made before Hindu goddess and god, Lakshmi and Ganaish,” he added. After prayers, fireworks follow, then people sit down for a feast that includes sweets. Gifts are also exchanged between family members and close friends.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2016.