Bang! Diwali celebrations begin

Fireworks, special meals, sweets, Lakshmi puja mark the festive occasion

KARACHI:

The fireworks heralded the commencement of Diwali celebrations by the Hindu community in Karachi on Sunday evening.

The main event was held at Swami Narayan Mandir, MA Jinnah Road. An old neighbourhood of Hindus, the Swami Narayan Mandir's lanes were lit with colourful lights and young and old went about setting of firecrackers and fireworks.

People had put on their best dresses and made elaborate meals on the occasion marked for the special worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Puja and festive events were held at the Clifton and the Netive Jetty temples and various places in the city.

Before the arrival of the Diwali, many members of the Hindu community repaired, renovated and decorated their houses. On the occasion of Diwali, the Hindu community adorns new clothes. On this occasion, they also light oil lamps of different shapes.

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On the occasion of Diwali, the Hindu community organised communal feasts and distributed sweets. Different people distributed gifts to their relatives and friends in the joy of Diwali. Diwali celebrations will continue for several days.

Extra security

Sindh police chief has ordered stepped-up security throughout the province in light of the Diwali celebrations.

Diwali is the Hindu community festival of lights which symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance."

IG Riffat Mukhtar Raja stressed the need for concrete and comprehensive security measures at the police range, district, and zone levels to ensure the safety of individuals participating in the religious ceremonies, particularly the Lakshmi Puja organised during the three-day Diwali festival.

Special attention should be given to the protection of attendees, priests, other key figures, and administrators.

In this regard, IG Riffat stressed the importance of immediate actions, including the intensification of intelligence efforts, enhanced coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and the proactive sharing of information.

Felicitation messages

Leading figures of the province extended their greetings to the Hindu community on their festive occasion.

Former President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have extended their heartiest greetings to Pakistan's Hindu community on Diwali.

In their separate messages on the occasion of Diwali, they said that this festival was a symbol of light and joy as well as a message of victory of light over darkness and good over evil. They said that PPP believed in inter-faith tolerance and harmony as well as brotherhood and unity.

Equal rights had been given to minorities in the Constitution-1973 given by the former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto fought throughout her life for the protection and development of the rights of the minorities.

Former President Asif Ali Zardari as the President of the country started celebrating National Day of Minorities on August 11 every year. He started celebrating 11th August every year as National Day of Minorities.

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Sindh's former chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Hindu community on the occasion of the Diwali festival.

In a statement, he said that minorities in Pakistan have the unequivocal right to freely celebrate their religious rituals, including the festival of lights, Diwali. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to minorities, he said and expressed admiration for the beauty of Diwali, highlighting its significance for the Hindu community, which joyfully celebrates the festival throughout Pakistan, particularly in Sindh.

Recognising the valuable contributions of the Hindu community to the development of Pakistan, Shah praised their dedicated services. He affirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has consistently been at the forefront, advocating for the rights of minorities and ensuring their protection.

Caretaker CM Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar felicitating the Hindu community living around the world including the Sindh province said Diwali was a festival of lights and happiness. Minorities living in the province celebrate their festivals with freedom and brotherhood.

MQM-P

Dr Farooq Sattar, Senior Deputy Convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) embraced the spirit of Diwali by participating in a celebration at the Sindh Boys Scout Auditorium in Karachi.

While speaking on the occasion, he extended warm wishes to the Hindu community in Pakistan for a joyous Diwali. He reiterated MQM-Pakistan's commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and said that his party holds deep respect for all religious communities.

Sattar highlighted the essence of Diwali, noting that its message is to promote peace and harmony, symbolised by dispelling darkness and bringing forth the true light in every aspect of life.

During the event, Sawan Mul Skija, the founder of the Skija Foundation, formally joined the MQM-Pakistan, accompanied by members of the Hindu community. Mangala Sharma, a coordinating committee member, was also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2023.