Lahore, (PTI) Diwali, the festival of lights was celebrated enthusiastically this time in Pakistan as the federal government officially patronised the Hindu festival especially in Punjab province.
For the first time, the Senate observed a holiday on the occasion of Diwali.
Not lagging behind, the other mainstream parties including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tahreek-i-Insaf also held separate functions to celebrate Diwali along with Hindu minorities in Sindh province last week.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and his wife also held a Diwali function at the Governor House in Lahore where Hindus were invited from across the province.
As the Senate session was underway, the government paid heed to the?Pakistan Hindu Council’s request?not to hold session on Diwali day.
The Pakistani media also gave special coverage to Diwali events organised in different parts of the country.
A main ceremony for the occasion was held?at Krishna temple here which was well attended by the senators and Evacuee Trust Property Board’s (ETPB) senior officials under tight security around the temple.
ETPB is a body that looks after the holy places of minorities in the country.
The participants sang Diwali songs, danced, hugged each other and arranged earthen lamps and candle-light vigil besides performing rituals. Sweets were also distributed.
Although some Hindus celebrated privately in the smaller Valmiki Mandir near Neela Gumbad, Anarkali, most converged at the Krishna Mandir.
They also prayed for the country’s prosperity and unity.
“This time the government fully patronised the Diwali event and we celebrated it along with the government officials and senators.
“We are thankful to the government for organising this pooja for us and to provide us with proper security here as well,” says Pushpa, a worshipper. .
