Karachi comes alive with a thousand lights

Diwali illuminates homes, temples as Hindu community prays for peace, prosperity and harmony

KARACHI:

As tiny flames danced in earthen lamps and colourful lights transformed the city into a canvas of celebration, Karachi's Hindu community embraced Diwali on Sunday with religious fervour, warmth and traditional gaiety. From illuminated homes and decorated temples to the exchange of sweets and heartfelt greetings, the festival of lights brought a message of hope, renewal and the timeless triumph of good over evil, while special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and harmony across the country.

The celebrations transformed Hindu neighbourhoods, homes and places of worship across the city, which were adorned with vibrant lights, decorative lamps and colourful ornaments. The night sky lit up with fireworks, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Families visited one another to exchange Diwali greetings and distribute sweets, keeping alive the traditions associated with the festival. Special puja ceremonies and religious rituals were held at temples, while people of all ages dressed in new clothes and decorated their homes with intricate rangoli designs.

Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. On the occasion, members of the Hindu community also offered special prayers for peace, prosperity, progress and the promotion of brotherhood across the country.

The colourful festivities highlight Karachi's multicultural character and the spirit of religious diversity and interfaith harmony that are woven into the city's social fabric."

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and across the world.

In his message, the chief minister described Diwali as a festival that spreads the message of love, brotherhood and light, saying Sindh was the land of Sufi saints where people of all faiths lived in peace. He said interfaith harmony and tolerance were integral to Sindh's cultural identity and reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to protecting the rights of all minority communities.

Acknowledging the Hindu community's vital contribution to Pakistan's development, particularly in Sindh, Shah said the festival offered an opportunity to dispel hatred and kindle the lamps of love and light.

Sharjeel Inam Memon described the festival as a celebration of light, joy, peace and hope that carries a message of love, brotherhood, tolerance and religious harmony. He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) believed in protecting minority rights, religious freedom and interfaith harmony. He said the Sindh government would continue its efforts to ensure the protection, welfare and progress of minority communities.

Governor Nehal Hashmi also described Diwali as a festival of light, joy, peace and hope, noting that the Hindu community was an integral part of Pakistan's social, cultural and national life. He said safeguarding the rights of religious minorities and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens was a collective responsibility, adding that the Hindu community had made valuable contributions to the country's development, prosperity and nation-building. Hashmi said Diwali carried a timeless message of unity, brotherhood, religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.

additional input from APP