When Pakistan earned its independence in 1947, the basis of this historical event was to allow every Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and any other person following a religion, to be allowed to follow their religion freely.
As Quaid e Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah stated, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples; free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in the State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or cast or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state”
Therefore, all minorities, including the Hindu community are free to celebrate and practice their religion in this country. So, here’s a list of Hindu culture and festivals celebrated enthusiastically across Pakistan.
Holi
As one of the most famous Hindu festivals, Holi is celebrated with the arrival of spring. It is also known as the Festival of Colors as it is commemorated enthusiastically with an abundance of colors.
When it comes to the history of Holi, several religious events signify its importance. One of them is the triumph of righteousness of Lord Vishnu over the malevolence of Hiranyakashipu, the demon king.
Another story links Holi to the playful love story of Lord Krishna and Radha, where he wanted to have the pretty complexion of Radha. His mother suggested that he color Radha’s face to match his complexion. Therefore, this playful act of mischievousness became a tradition and today, people play with colors and water and paint their friends and loved ones with colors, symbolizing love and friendship.
Holi also has deep roots in the ancient agricultural and ritual practices of India. As it is celebrated at the start of spring, it is believed to honor the arrival of spring and the blossoming of new and fertile life.
Over time, this holiday became widespread, and now, even though it’s celebrated in India with great enthusiasm, it is also celebrated in many other parts of the world like Pakistan and the US.
Diwali
Another one of the most famous Hindu celebrations is Diwali. Honored over 4 days of festivities, this is the brightest event in the Indian culture. People dazzle and light up the country with lights to illuminate their joy.
This festival synchronizes with the Hindu New Year, which symbolizes light and new beginnings. Historically, Diwali is known as the festival of lights which dates back to 2500 years ago when it represented an important harvest season.
There are many legends associated with this event. Some of the most famous ones are the Tale of Ramayana, Goddess Kali and her story, and the Tale of Goddess Lakshmi. On Diwali, most Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, honoring her as the deity of wealth and prosperity. The occasion is also recognized as her birthday, which falls on the New Moon of the Karthik month.
This festival of lights is celebrated all over the world and in many parts of Pakistan.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth (janma) of Lord Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada. This day is quite significant for the Hindu community and is celebrated with great respect for their god.
On the day before, devotees keep a vigil and fast until midnight, the traditional hour of Krishna’s birth. The image of Krishna is then bathed in water and milk, dressed in new clothes, and worshipped.
Temples and household shrines are adorned with leaves and flowers, and sweetmeats (Prasad) are first offered to the god, then distributed to all the members of the household.
Krishna’s devotees commemorate the events of his birth by creating elaborate displays of Mathura, where he was born, the Yamuna River, over which he was transported to safety, and Gokul, the scene of his childhood, using small images of Krishna, other figures, and the animals and birds of the forest.
This religious event is recognized all over the world and is celebrated by devotees throughout South Asia.
Navratri
Navratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the divine feminine. It spans nine days and takes place during the month of Ashvin or Ashvina.
this Hindu celebration is celebrated differently in different parts of India, as well as the world. Some people consider it a religious event meant to be respected with reflection and fasting, whereas, some people like to celebrate the event with dancing and feasting. Offerings are also made to goddesses and many rituals are performed in their honor.
As it’s a time to celebrate good over evil, in many areas, Navratri is seen as a favorable time to start educational or artistic endeavors, particularly for children, making this an auspicious time for the entire Hindu community.
Hinglaj Yatra
The beautiful settings of the Hingol National Park in Pakistan are the settings for the largest Hindu festival, the Hinglaj Yatra. The ascent of steep volcanic mountains marks the beginning of this religious ritual for Hindus.
They climb hundreds of stairs and cross over dangerous rocks to reach the summit to seek divine permission by tossing coconuts and showering rose petals into a crater to ask their deity to enable them access to an ancient cave temple, the prime focus of their three-day event.
More than 100,000 Hindus visit this place every year to pay honor to their goddess in the middle of this Muslim land where they are welcomed with open arms.
Conclusion
To know more about the history of The goddess Hinglaj temple in Pakistan and how the Hindu culture and its religious events are honored and respected all over the country, see them gathered at Nani Hinglaj Temple to celebrate their beloved festivities.