Hinglaj Mata festival kicks off in Lasbela

Balochistan government devise comprehensive plan to facilitate the yatris and ensure peace for the four-day event

QUETTA:

The historic Hinglaj Mata festival kicked off in Balochistan’s Lasbela district on Saturday.

Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from across country and the world participated in the centuries-old cave temple festival.

The Balochistan government has devised a comprehensive plan to facilitate the yatris and ensure peace for the four-day event.

“Pakistan welcomes thousands of visitors from across the globe who are visiting Balochistan to attend the event,” Senator

Danesh Kumar of the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) said. He said the provincial government ensured all facilities and fool proof security for the Hindu mega event. Men and women dressed in their traditional dresses participated in the historic festival near Pakistan's famous tourist point ie Kund Malir located on the coastal highway.

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“Balochistan welcomes #Yatris, arriving to celebrate their great event of Hinglaj #Devi at Hinglaj Mata Mandir,” Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili tweeted.

Uqaili said that the yatris were provided all kinds of support and facilities.

The Balochistan Tourism Department has taken var[1]ious steps to promote the historic religious Hindu festival and facilitate the yatris, he added.

Balochistan’s Minorities Affairs Minister, Khalil Goerge, and Secretary of Tourism, Manzoor Hussain arrived in Lasbela to personally review the arrangements for the event.

Khalil Goerge said the Balochistan government allocated Rs300 million for the provision of all basic facilities at the cave temple.

CCTV cameras were also installed at the site to ensure maximum security. Hinglaj Mata is one of the five ancient Hindu temples across the globe.