Let there be light: Diwali lamps lit across Punjab

It is not only times of happiness that should bring us together: MPA Fauzia Qureshi

BAHAWALPUR/ SIALKOT: Balmik Hindus and Bheel and Mangwal communities residing in several villages in Cholistan celebrated five days of Diwali by lighting lamps, visiting temples and distributing sweets.

The festival is celebrated during the month of Katik in memory of Ram Chand.

In Bahawalpur, the Awaz District Forum organised an event at the Shiv Temple to celebrate Diwali. MPA Fauzia Ayub Qureshi, also the chairperson of Awaz District Forum, said, “There is a desire for peace and love in every person…it’s about time we find love for humanity within us.”

Diwali brings with it a message of joy and light, Awaz District Forum vice chairperson Shehla Ehsan said. All religions preach this message and that is what should bring people from all faiths together, she said.

“It is not only times of happiness that should bring us together,” Qureshi said. Members of all faiths should strive to put an end to differences and support each other in times of hardship as well, she said.

Pandit Kishwari Laal said he felt elated celebrating Diwali with members of various faiths. “This is what it means to be a Pakistani – we are together without discrimination of caste or religion. Today I am proud to be a Pakistani.”

He said India’s Modi government should learn from this. “This is what a democracy ought to be like…we are celebrating Diwali with our women lawmakers and members of various faiths in harmony.”

Sahiba Jahan, a transgender, said their community shunned discrimination and hatred along the lines of colour, religion, caste or creed. “It doesn’t matter if anyone is Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Sikh…we all sit together, eat together and celebrate religious festivals together.”

South Asia Partnership Pakistan district coordinator Nauman Naseer said prosperity was not possible in any society till peace was achieved and all religions and races were accorded equal rights. “Let’s vow to put our country on the path of prosperity.”

In Sialkot, members of the Hindu community lit up their houses with clay lamps and distributed sweets and gifts.

A special ceremony was held at Jogindernath Temple on Paris Road where Hindu leaders cut a Diwali cake.

The police had arranged for tight security at Hindu temples to avoid any untoward incident.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2015.