All celebrate Diwali in a show of harmony

Official event organised in Peshawar also attended by Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Bahais

PESHAWAR: People from all walks of life and belonging to all religions came together at a beautifully decorated Nishtar Hall to celebrate Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights.

An event titled ‘Voice of Memories’ was organised by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Directorate of Culture and the Pakistan Council of World Religions-Faith Friends on Monday night with an aim to promote religious harmony in the region.

The festival displayed diverse cultural activities where Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Bahais were also in attendance, apart from Hindus. Government officials, politicians and local elders also participated in the celebrations.

The date of Diwali is not fixed as it changes every year. Diwali is celebrated on different dates depending on local traditions and culture.

“K-P has a very rich and diverse cultural heritage,” said Shahbaz Khan, the Deputy Director at the Directorate of Culture while talking to The Express Tribune.

“These diversities are a source of identity for various communities living in the region,” he said, adding that these cultural traditions and identities had taken shape after thousands of years of struggle and changes in the region.

“The government believes that cultural diversity is a treasure, and respecting the prevailing cultural heritage is necessary for maintaining mutual harmony and social development in the whole region,” he added.

A Hindu elder, present at the festivities, said, “This is a bright and beautiful festival and its blessings are for all. The colourful event is a triumph of light over darkness and of good over evil.”

For Hindus, Peshawar is one of the most sacred cities where they have lived for thousands of years. They feel comfortable here as there is a huge number of shared customs and traditions irrespective of any religious affiliation.

The officials at the Directorate of Culture said they were working on the documentation, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of the province, including provisions for interfaith harmony in its decision-making process.

“We believe interfaith and inter-community harmony is required for a robust social and economic development,” said Khan.

He said the Nishtar Hall and other related facilities are available for all the religious communities for gatherings and celebrations on all such occasions.