As the Krishna Mandir in Saddar, Rawalpindi, is still under construction, the main celebrations were held at the Gracey Line Mandir and the historic Lal Kurti Mandir.
Families, adorned in vibrant traditional attire and carrying trays illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), participated enthusiastically in the evening’s festivities with deep religious fervour.
Sweets were joyfully distributed and prasad shared, as celebrations commenced at 5pm and continued till late in the night. The ceremonies featured the singing of devotional hymns and special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity and progress.
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Diwali, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu religion, symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Traditionally, homes are decorated with glowing diyas and colourful rangoli patterns crafted from rice flour, and flowers. People wore new clothes, exchanged sweets and gifts with friends and relatives, worshiped their gods, and celebrated the festival with fireworks.
The festival’s origins are rooted in the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. For Hindus, Diwali is also associated with goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is welcomed into homes on this auspicious occasion.
Temples were beautifully illuminated with multicoloured lights, vibrant buntings and large oil lamps, creating a strikingly festive atmosphere. Households were similarly adorned with candles, diyas and decorative lights, while elaborate rangoli designs — a central element of diwali — embellished floors.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sardar Heera Lal, President of the Pakistan Hindu–Sikh Welfare Council, said, diwali brings together families, relatives and friends to share happiness and strengthen bonds of love and harmony. “The essence of diwali lies in spreading affection and brotherhood,” he remarked.
Lal explained that in the days leading up to the festival, homes are renovated and freshly painted. On diwali night, diyas are lit both indoors and outdoors — in courtyards, windows and streets — while special prayers are offered to goddess Lakshmi.
Om Prakash Narain, head of Lal Kurti Mandir, described diwali a time when Hindu community decorates homes and temples, sing devotional songs and participate in religious rituals. A key ritual involves arranging and lighting diyas in circular patterns on the floor, distributing colourful sweets and sharing festive meals.
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Both Om Prakash Narain and Sardar Heera Lal expressed their patriotism and solidarity, stating: “Pakistan is our homeland — it is our pride and identity. Under the green crescent flag, we stand united as one nation.”
They urged the authorities to address the longstanding demand for a cremation ground (Shamshan Ghat) by allocating a 4–5 kanal plot near Rawalpindi and Islamabad for a cremation site and a temple. They also called for a fixed quota for educated Hindu youth in public sector jobs, universities and colleges, affirming, “We are Pakistanis first, then Hindus.”
The community leaders also commended the Armed Forces of Pakistan for their achievements against India and Afghanistan, describing their successes as a source of national pride.
They expressed gratitude to the local Muslim residents, traders and shopkeepers living near Lal Kurti and Gracey Line temples for their support and cooperation, particularly in helping to ensure the security of the festivities and Hindu community.