Diwali celebrations light up twin cities

Families gather for prayers, rangoli and festive rituals as temples dazzle with lights

RAWALPINDI:

The Hindu community of the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Monday, with deep religious fervour, joy and devotion.

As the Krishna Mandir in Saddar, Rawalpindi, is still under construction, the main celebrations were held at the Gracey Line Mandir and the historic Lal Kurti Mandir. Hindu families, adorned in vibrant traditional attire and carrying trays illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), participated enthusiastically in the evening's festivities.

Sweets were joyfully distributed and prasad shared, as celebrations commenced at 5pm and continued late into the night. The ceremonies featured the singing of devotional hymns and special prayers for Pakistan's peace, prosperity and progress.

Diwali, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Traditionally, homes are decorated with glowing diyas and colourful rangoli patterns crafted from rice flour, powder or flowers. People don new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, offer prayers to deities, and celebrate with fireworks.

The festival's origins are rooted in the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. For Hindus, Diwali is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is welcomed into homes on this auspicious occasion.

This year, temples were beautifully illuminated with multicoloured lights, vibrant buntings and large oil lamps, creating a strikingly festive atmosphere. Hindu households were similarly adorned with candles, diyas and decorative lights, while elaborate rangoli designs - a central element of Diwali - embellished floors. Families dressed in new clothes and exchanged gifts and sweets with friends and relatives.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sardar Heera Lal, President of the Pakistan Hindu–Sikh Welfare Council, said Diwali brings together families, relatives and friends to share happiness and strengthen bonds of love and harmony. "The essence of Diwali lies in spreading affection and brotherhood," he remarked.

Lal explained that in the days leading up to the festival, homes are cleaned, renovated and freshly painted. On Diwali night, diyas and lamps are lit both indoors and outdoors - in courtyards, windows and streets - while special prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi.

Om Prakash Narain, head of Lal Kurti Mandir, described Diwali as "our version of Eid", a time when families decorate their homes and temples, sing devotional songs and participate in religious rituals. A key ritual involves arranging and lighting diyas in circular patterns on the floor, distributing colourful sweets and sharing festive meals.

Both Om Prakash Narain and Sardar Heera Lal expressed their patriotism and solidarity, stating: "Pakistan is our homeland - it is our pride and identity. Under the green crescent flag, we stand united as one nation."

They urged the authorities to address the longstanding demand for a cremation ground (Shamshan Ghat) by allocating a 4–5 kanal plot near Rawalpindi and Islamabad for a cremation site and a temple.