Diwali in Pakistan, through pictures

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Diwali in Pakistan, through pictures

By Huma Choudhary Published: October 25, 2014

The Hindu community, though a very small minority, constitute an integral part of the cultural and ethnic diversity of Pakistan. PHOTO: MYRA IQBAL/EXPRESS

The first day of Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights –-was celebrated at Krishna temple in Rawalpindi yesterday.

As a budding photojournalist and having many friends who belong to minority sects, I feel passionately about the state of affairs of the Pakistani minorities. I was, therefore, thrilled to be part of the annual-Diwali celebrations-for the first time.

The warm, friendly and hospitable atmosphere at the temple made my stay extremely exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed covering this-colourful celebration.-Here are a few highlights of my unique experience:

 

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A girl performs the 'pooja' ritual before the Hindu deity Lord Krishna.

 

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A woman decorates her hands with henna.

 

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Men exchange greetings at the temple's entrance.

 

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A woman lights diyas (oil lamps) and places them in various corners of the temple.

 

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A man smears tilak on devotees' foreheads.

 

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A teenage girl performs 'arti'-before Lord Krishna.

 

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A woman prays on Diwali.

 

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The temple was decorated with fresh flowers and candles.

 

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Hindu Pundit blows a conch shell for blessings during 'pooja'.

 

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A man offers prayers to Hindu God Krishna.

 

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The Hindu community, though a very small minority, constitute an integral part of the cultural and-ethnic diversity-of Pakistan. They are as much a part of Pakistan as the rest of us and understanding their occasions is something we should all strive to do.

Wishing everyone around the globe a very happy-Diwali-and hoping that Pakistan keeps growing as a tolerant, peace-loving and inclusive nation.

Diwali in Pakistan, through pictures – The Express Tribune Blog

 

[Neo]

The Hindu community, though a very small minority, constitute an integral part of the cultural and-ethnic diversity-of Pakistan. They are as much a part of Pakistan as the rest of us and understanding their occasions is something we should all strive to do.

Wishing everyone around the globe a very happy-Diwali-and hoping that Pakistan keeps growing as a tolerant, peace-loving and inclusive nation.

Diwali in Pakistan, through pictures – The Express Tribune Blog

 

[Welcome]

Strange ? they are still alive............. not killed for celebrating own festival in pakistan.