Hindus celebrate Janmashtami festival
People gather at a flower market on the day of the south Indian Hindu festival of "Varalakshmi Vratham" in Bengaluru, India. PHOTO: REUTERS
Hindus across Pakistan, including those in Rawalpindi, celebrated the religious festival of Janmashtami with devotion on Monday.
A special event, organised by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, took place at a historic temple in Rawalpindi Cantonment.
The celebration marked the birth of Lord Krishna, a significant figure in Hinduism, and was observed with traditional rituals.
The ceremony saw the participation of National Assembly member Asfandyar Bhindara, along with Sahil Wasim, Mohan Lal, Member Chohan, Arif Chohan, Rangi Ram, Anwar Chand, Rakesh Chand, Nadeem Sunil, Nauman Chohan, and Jahangir Sagar. The event was also attended by Amjad Awan, the Administrator of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, and a large number of Hindu community members, including Hiralal, President of the Pakistan Hindu Sikh Council.
Special arrangements were made to distribute prasad and meals to those attending, and the traditional ritual of breaking the matki (pot) was performed, symbolising the spirit of the festival.
During the event, Asfandyar Bhindara expressed pride in the Hindu community living in Pakistan, recognising their important role in the nation.
He called for more government efforts to enhance the facilities at the temple.
Hindu leader Anwar Chand Bhatti also highlighted the need for the federal government to upgrade the Krishna Temple in Rawalpindi, noting that its current location, which is narrow and poorly lit, does not meet the community's needs. He proposed the development of a Krishna Complex, including a community hall, to better accommodate religious activities.