K-P celebrates Holi Festival with bursts of colour

People perform aarti and pooja for the prosperity of the country

PESHAWAR: Department of Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Government on Saturday hosted vibrant festival of Holi to usher in the brilliance of spring and spread the message of good over evil.

Around 600 people from Hindu community packed Festival Hall and filled the atmosphere with festive vibes.

Amidst splashes of colour, there were squeal of joy and laughter as powder was smudged on faces of the revellers making a sight to behold and aura to be felt.

The day-long celebration sprinkled with performances from Hindu community who also conducted aarti with great faith followed by prayers for the prosperity of the country.

Youth dressed in Punjabi attire performed Bhangra and Punjabi folk dances with charged spirits. Dr Hisham Inam Ullah, the Minister for Health said that said that the Hindu community marked the onset of spring with colours, songs and dancing, peace has been prevailed and minorities are safe here. "Despite our race and religion, we stand united."

Other government officials included Secretary of AHRAMA Hassan Mehmood, MPA Ravi Kumar, MPA Wazir Zada, MPA Ranjeet Singh also showed up at the ceremony and expressed their views. He said that the presence of the Hindu community in such a large number at the programme spoke volumes about their trust in the government and the country.

Such festivals carry blessings from God and when we all celebrate it together, the blessings doubles the rewards.

In this regard, MPA Wazir Zada who hails from Chitral said that celebration of minorities’ events will help spread love and peace. He maintained that such events will help build understanding which will develop the sense of tolerance and brotherhood.

Secretary of AHRAMA Hassan Mehmood stated that the festivals of minorities of K-P symbolises peace, love and harmony. Moreover, they will also arrange exchange programs and conferences in the near future.

Police personnel were deployed by the department and adequate measures were put in place to ensure full security for smooth and hassle-free celebration.

The exuberant festival of Holi is originally held to celebrate the fertility of the land whilst also celebrating colours and love.

It is observed on the full moon day falling in the month of Phalguna, the twelfth month of the year in Hindu Lunar Calendar. Hindu devotees spend the day splashing colors and throwing water balloons at each other followed by indulging in Thandai, a chilled drink

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2019.