ISLAMABAD: Friday was a joyful day for the Hindu population in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It was Diwali — the festival of lights.
Families got together and lighted clay lamps, or diyas, to signify the triumph of good over evil. Many woke up early in the morning, offered their prayers and touched the feet of their elders. In return they received Diwali gifts.
The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, from his fourteen years of exile and defeat of demon-king Ravana.
Diwali for Hindus is like Eid for Muslims — a time of happiness where families get together, wear new clothes and celebrate. Like Eid, people make special preparations by decorating homes, preparing sweets and other traditional dishes. Temples are also decorated, and children and adults alike set off firecrackers.
Vikram Ram, a resident of Rawalpindi, said the “extraordinary inflation” this year had not dampened their spirits. “We decorated our houses and distributed prasad (an edible offering to a deity) and money among children,” he said, before adding, “The festival gives us the message of peace, love and happiness.”
Rajesh Kumar, who was also at the event, said he was “glad” that Hindus in Pakistan had the freedom to live their lives according to their faith. “Pakistan,” he said, “is our country and we will make every effort for its progress and development.”
Ashoke Chand, vice chairman of All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement, however criticised the federal government for not giving the Hindu community the yearly Diwali celebration grant. He said that the ministry of minority affairs did not help the Hindu community on the pretext of the recent floods.
“Diwali is our happiest festival and government’s carelessness is highly condemnable,” Chand said, adding, “40,000 families living in the twin cities are celebrating the event at their own expense.”
Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti responded, “We, on these happier hours, should not forget our flood-affected brothers and sisters. This is the day which teaches us to promote virtues and curb vices,” the minister said. He added that the government will also not release any funds for the celebration of Christmas. With additional reporting by Wajahat Karim
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2010.
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