Diwali celebrations begin in Karachi

Prayer services, ceremonies organised at temples across the city

KARACHI:

A ceremony and prayer service have been organised at Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, located in Soldier Bazaar, to celebrate the festival of Diwali today (Sunday).  Meanwhile, ceremonies and prayer services on a smaller scale, marking the religious festivals of Hindus, will also be held at other temples in Karachi.

Members of the Hindu community have decorated their houses and temples with lights, candles and lamps on the festive occasion, and the celebration of the festival of lights will continue till late in the night today.

Yesterday (Saturday), in preparation of the festival of lights, special prayer services were arranged at temples across the city.

Speaking with regards to the Hindu's religious festival, Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir Head Shri Ram Nath Mishra Mahraj said the Diwali holds immense significance for the community as on this day, Lord Rama began his journey from Lanka and returned home to Ayodhya. The temple's head further said that Rama fought against lies and stood for the truth and on this day truth had won against lies.

Talking about the relevance of lights on the occasion of Diwali, he said that Hindus light their houses in hopes that Rama will visit and stay at their houses. Moreover, sweets are also distributed on the occasion to spread loves, he added. On  Diwali, members of the Hindu community also exchange gifts. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2019.