Known as the “festival of lights” worldwide, Diwali celebrations have just begun and the Hindu community in Pakistan seems zealous and enthusiastic. The evening of Diwali, people gather at their temples and decorate the place with lights and candles.
The Hindus in Pakistan celebrate their most-awaited festival with great fervor. It’s not just a cultural event, it has deep roots within their religion as well. Let’s dive into the significance of Diwali for Hindus and how they celebrate their favorite occasion in Pakistan.
Importance and History of Diwali
In their religion, the Hindus celebrate the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness and the conquest of knowledge over ignorance. They celebrate the return of their deity Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-day exile.
Like the Hindus worldwide, the Hindus in Pakistan also commemorate this day with traditional rituals, prayers, and gatherings, marking it as a time for families to come together, connect with loved ones, and express gratitude.
How Diwali is Celebrated in Pakistan?
In areas with larger Hindu populations in the country, such as Sindh, Balochistan, and parts of Punjab. Here’s a glimpse into how Diwali is celebrated in there:
Temple Gatherings and Poojas
Hindu families visit temples to offer prayers and perform religious rituals. Major temples like the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Karachi and the Katas Raj Temples in Punjab come alive with lights, flowers, and rangolis.
Gifts and Sweets
No Diwali celebration is complete without indulging in sweets and traditional dishes. Families prepare and share a variety of sweets like ladoos, barfis, and halwas. Festive meals bring families together, allowing people to bring gifts for each other and celebrate not only with their immediate family but with extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Lighting Diyas and Decorating Homes
A central aspect of Diwali is illuminating homes with diyas (oil lamps) and candles. Pakistani Hindus also decorate their homes and community spaces with rangoli, symbolizing the spreading of positivity and hope.
Unity and Interfaith Harmony
Although it is primarily a Hindu festival, Diwali serves as an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn about each other’s traditions, and build bonds of friendship. In cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Hyderabad, non-Hindus often visit their Hindu friends, bringing sweets or gifts as a gesture of goodwill. This interfaith connection exemplifies the shared cultural values that foster unity in Pakistan, reminding everyone of the joy that can come from learning about and celebrating each other’s traditions.
Conclusion
Diwali in Pakistan is more than just a festival for the Hindu community, it is a celebration of the spirit of tolerance, love, and unity that transcends religious and cultural differences.
The same harmony between faiths can be seen on their Navratri festival and their three day pilgrimage to the largest hindu temple, Shri Hinglaj Mata Mandir, located in the heart of Balochistan. Learn more about the hindu culture and their beloved goddess in our fascinating documentary “Goddess of Hinglaj”.