In a corner of Saddar Bazaar, the old Krishna Temple building was illuminated, and saw Hindus from the twin cities gathered to celebrate their religious festival of Diwali – the festival of lights.

Although the Diwali festival began on November 11, the main event was arranged at the temple on Friday. The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, and celebrates the return of god Ram Ji, his wife Seeta and his brother Lakshman after 14 years in exile.

The Krishna Temple was decorated with earthen lamps and people arrived dressed in colourful outfits. Saddar Bazaar’s roads were closed to general traffic for security reasons, and the local police had made arrangements to protect worshipers from any untoward incidents.

The earthen lamps and rangoli designs at the temple’s entrance were the most striking features of the celebration. “The earthen lamps were lit by the people when Ram Ji came home after defeating Ravan and after a 14 year exile. The people welcomed Ram Ji by decorating their houses and made rangoli,” All Pakistan Hindu Sikh Social Welfare Association President Jagmohan Kumar Arora told Dawn.

He said this was not a simple festival, but that it symbolised the victory of good over evil. He said that light symbolized hope and a better future. He said that the first two days of the festival are celebrated in the home, by offering prayers to the goddess Lakshmi.

He said that all Hindus decorate their house walls with footprints of the goddess Lakshmi, made from rice and flour. “The goddess brings fortune to the family if she sees footprints on the wall,” he said. He said the festival begins with the Gayatri Mantra, followed by verses from the Ramayana and collective prayer. After that, children and women light lamps and fireworks.

Following the prayer, worshippers gathered at the temple offered special prayers for the people and the country.

Before the formal prayer, local pandit Jai Ram narrated the story of Ramayana, the story of the god Ram, and spoke about the importance of the festival.

Mr Arora also made a small speech and urged Hindus to work towards the prosperity of the country and to make the country into what was envisioned by Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2015

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