The Hindu community across Sindh, Pakistan, celebrated Diwali—the vibrant and sacred ‘Festival of Lights’—with immense joy, traditional fervor, and spiritual devotion on Monday and continued into Tuesday. Temples and homes across Karachi, Hyderabad, Umerkot, and other parts of the province were beautifully illuminated, symbolizing the timeless victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
The celebrations, which commenced with the main day of the festival on Monday, saw Hindu families enthusiastically engaging in a multitude of age-old traditions. The day began with special prayers (pujas) offered for prosperity, peace, and national unity. Temples, including the prominent Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Karachi and Durga Shiva Mandir in Hyderabad, became hubs of communal activity, dazzling with rows of earthen lamps (diyas), candles, and colorful lights.
A Display of Tradition and Community
A central feature of the festivities was the meticulous creation of Rangoli designs on the entrance floors of homes and temples—intricate patterns made from colored powder, flowers, and rice flour, intended to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families exchanged traditional sweets and gifts with loved ones, fostering a spirit of unity and goodwill.
The evening sky over cities in Sindh was lit up with fireworks and aerial displays, adding a spectacular element of fanfare to the celebrations. At major venues, including the ground behind the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, stalls selling Diwali essentials—from painted clay lamps to firecrackers and devotional items—created a lively, festive marketplace.
Official Participation and Interfaith Harmony
The spirit of interfaith harmony was highlighted as the main celebration was hosted at the Sindh Governor House in Karachi. Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah extended heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community, emphasizing Sindh’s identity as a land of peace where people of all faiths celebrate their festivals freely. The Governor, attending as the chief guest, participated in a ceremonial cake-cutting and prayers for the country’s prosperity.
The provincial government also played a role in facilitating the celebrations by declaring a two-day public holiday (October 20 and 21) specifically for Hindu employees, allowing them to participate fully in the festival’s rituals and gatherings.
Diwali in Sindh continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the province’s rich cultural and religious diversity, reinforcing messages of hope, compassion, and unity among all citizens.
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