Hindus celebrate festival of colours in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi police provide ‘foolproof’ security to gathering places

RAWALPINDI:

The festival of colours, Holi, was celebrated with traditional zeal and fervour by the Hindu community in Rawalpindi.

Colourful events were organised under tight security at the Gracy Line Main Temple, the 100-year-old Krishna Temple and the ancient temple of Lal Kurti.

Members of the community invoked prayers and threw colours on each other, adding to the vibrance of the celebrations. The participants sang religious songs and interacted with each other as part of the festival to strengthen communal bonding. Temples were also decorated with great beauty for Holi. Colorful flags, and electric lamps were installed in the temples.

The Hindu community of Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in Holi celebrations with their families. Hindu women and children came to the temples with great obeisance.

These celebrations started after sunset and continued until late at night. At the end the Parshad was also distributed, while the President of Pakistan Hindu Sikh Social Welfare Council Sardar Hira Lal said Holi is our religious festival, the government has provided full support and security for it, while the local Muslim brothers have also provided full support and facilities for which we are grateful.

“Minority communities want the development of Pakistan. We are Pakistanis first and the white colour in Pakistan’s flag is the protector of the minorities. In the end, prayers were also sought for Pakistan's development, prosperity and security.

Krishna Mandir at Saddar was the centre of Holi celebrations. The largest number of women and children of the Hindu community participated in Holi celebrations here. Strict security arrangements were also made for their safety. A heavy contingent of police was deployed while the Muslim traders of the local bazaar also extended full cooperation.

Salish Kumar, a citizen said apart from the police, local shopkeepers and citizens cooperated with them, for which they were grateful. Kavita Bhatia said that her family had come here from Islamabad to enjoy Holi.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.