Diwali: Peshawar revels in the ‘festival of lights’

The Express Tribune

Hindus in Peshawar celebrated Diwali on Tuesday at the historical Balmiki temple situated in Kali Bari where a number of Hindu families reside.

Diwali is a five-day cultural and spiritual festival celebrated all over the world. It is also known as the ‘festival of lights’. “Diwali is mainly held to honour the return of Lord Ram to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, but has several other deep meanings,” said Ram Lal, an elder. Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the festival with equal fervour, he shared. Homes are decorated with lights, there are fireworks, and diyas are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil, explained Ram Lal. After the first two days of celebrations at home, grand arrangements were made at temples, bringing together many Hindu families. Balmiki temple celebrated with fireworks and special prayers, while at Goraknath and Gor Gathri temples the celebrations will be held after Muharram. “We also tell children about the importance of the day to create awareness among them,” said Ram Lal. Under pressure Temples in the city sported colourful lights, inviting droves of women and girls brightly bedecked in new clothes to visit throughout the day. Diwali is one of the few occasions when Hindus in Peshawar observe with aplomb, however, not without safety concerns. After the brazen attack on All Saints Church in September, Hindus remain fearful of a similar hit on their places of worship. “We fear we can be targeted just like the Christians were targeted during Sunday Mass,” said All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Chairman and community elder Haroon Sarbdiyal. “Though, on this special day we offer prayers for peace and prosperity in the country.” The city administration had already taken several security steps for their protection, added Sarbdiyal. Celebrations have been in full swing at the Kali Bari Temple for the past several days and people are pouring in from different parts of the city in spite of a sense of fear. “On this auspicious occasion, we prayed for the happiness of our people and for peace to return to this area which has been affected by war for so many years now,” said Amrusha, who was visiting the temple with her children. The city remains on high alert because of Muharram and the killing of Taliban leader, Hakimullah Mehsud.