Diwali Celebrated Across Pakistan With Lights and Prayers

Hindu communities across Pakistan celebrated Diwali on Monday with prayers, lights, fireworks and family gatherings. Temples and homes were decorated in cities and towns from Karachi to Islamabad.

Celebrations Across the Country

• Karachi: The Swaminarayan Temple was decorated with lights. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab took part in the festivities there.

• Tharparkar: Celebrations spanned several towns, including Mithi, with prayers at temples and streets lit with decorations.

• Sujawal: Hindistan Mohalla was lit with electric lights, and the celebrations continued through the night.

• Bahawalnagar: Lakshmi Puja was held alongside Diwali celebrations, with temples and homes illuminated.

• Mirpurkhas: A special Diwali puja was held at Lal Mandir, attended by a large number of women, children and elderly people.

• Hyderabad: Homes and temples were decorated and lamps were lit across the city.

• Islamabad: Celebrations took place in homes and at various locations, with some rangoli designs.

Festive Activities

People lit oil lamps (diyas), candles and electric lights, made rangoli, set off fireworks, wore new clothes, exchanged greetings and gathered with their families.

Voices From the Community

Dr Nadeem Balu, a former minority representative on the District Council in Bahawalnagar, described Diwali as a festival of joy, light and love and said minorities enjoy full freedom to celebrate their festivals. Ramesh Kumar, priest at the Shiva Temple in Hyderabad, explained that Diwali recalls Lord Ram’s return after defeating Ravana. Community members in Karachi and Mirpurkhas described the festival as a time to come together and spread peace and love.