KARACHI, Nov 1: Members of the Hindu minority community in the city, like everywhere else around the world, celebrated their annul festival of lights, Diwali, on Tuesday.

Keeping in view the earthquake that had hit the northern parts of the country and to express solidarity with the victims, the Hindu community decided to celebrate their annual festival without much funfair.

Special meetings were held in all the temples while the central congregation was held at the Swami Narayan Temple opposite old KMC Building on the M.A. Jinnah Road in the evening.

Religious leaders in their sermons urged the people to follow the footsteps and teachings of Lord Ramchandra in the daily lives. Bhajans were sung and the meeting concluded with the prayers for the solidarity and integrity of the country and prosperity of the community. Special prayers for the earthquake victims were also offered. Lunger, free food, was distributed among the devotees.

On the occasion of Diwali, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain extended his greetings and felicitation to the Hindu community living in Pakistan and throughout the world, said a press release issued on Tuesday.

However, he added that this time Diwali had arrived during a period when South Asia in general and Pakistan in particular had been devastated by the recent earthquake claiming thousands of lives and leaving millions injured. Keeping in view the devastation, he appealed to celebrate the festival of Diwali with simplicity.

It may be noted here that Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Ramchandra after completing the 14-year exile to his kingdom, Ayodhiya.