Hindu community celebrates Holi

Coronavirus safety measures followed during celebrations

LAHORE:

Religious festivals of Holi and Palm Sunday were celebrated across the country on Sunday. The Hindu community celebrated Holi at Krishna Mandir and Agarwal Ashram in Lahore and threw colours of happiness and love at each other.

The Christian community celebrated Palm Sunday in the churches. Coronavirus SOPs were also implemented during the event. Hindu religious festival Holi was celebrated across the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Punjab chief minister, federal and provincial ministers greeted the Hindu community on the occasion.

Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Dr Aamir Ahmad also congratulated the Hindu community and wished them well.

Head of Pakistan Hindu Council and Member of National Assembly Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said that Holi festival teaches victory of truth. No matter how powerful the forces of evil may be, the ultimate victory is always for truth and justice.

He said in his special message, “Pakistan Hindu Council wanted Holi festival to be celebrated this year at the ancient temple of Prahlad in Multan where the first Holi was celebrated thousands of years ago. However, in view of the current situation, it has been decided to postpone the Holi celebrations in Multan.”

He added that gatherings were banned across the country in view of the third wave of coronavirus. The Pakistan Hindu Council believes in upholding the laws of the land, he said.

Dr Vankwani said that security clearance could not be obtained for holding Holi festival in Multan. He said the Supreme Court had issued orders for the timely restoration of the ancient Prahlad Temple. However, during a recent visit to Multan, the restoration work of the temple did not look satisfactory.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2021.