Diwali celebrated at two city temples

No drum beating this year because of Nusrat Bhutto’s death.

LAHORE:

The Hindu community in the city celebrated diwali on Wednesday. Two major gathering were held at Krishna Temple on Ravi Road and Shri Baghwan Balmek Ji Temple in Anarkali.

Dozens of people including Sikhs, Christians and Muslims attended the diwali festival at Krishna Temple. Arrangements for the festivals were made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

A delegation of Hindus from the United Kingdom led by Baba Davender Kumar Ghai had especially arrived in the city to attend the festival.

Others present on the occasion included Minhajul Quran Interfaith Relations Director Sohail Ahmad Raza, former Provincial Assembly member Misbah Kokab, Father James Channan, Manohar Chand, Dr Laiq, Chaman Lal, Minorities Council president Madam Nazli and Ahmed Ali Chaudhry.

Pooja and fireworks followed speeches by representatives of various communities. Blessed food (prasad) was later distributed among the people.

Pundit Kashi Ram of Krishna Temple said they had dropped a drum beating ritual this year to show solidarity with Peoples Party workers’ grief over Nusrat Bhutto’s death.

He said at least 150 Hindu families celebrated diwali in the city this year.

The diwali prayer at Shri Baghwan Balmek Ji Temple was led by Pundit Bhagat Lal. A Muttahida Qaumi Movement delegation also attended the festival at the Anarkali temple. Accoriding to the Hindu tradition, diwali marks the day god Rama rescued wife Sita from Lanka and returned to Ayodhiya after 14 years of voluntary exile.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2011.