RAWALPINDI: Krishna Mandir was bustling with activity, as the Hindu community from the twin cities celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, this Sunday.

People from Rawalpindi and Islamabad gathered at the temple in Rawalpindi to offer prayers, led by priest Jai Ram, and celebrate Holi.

The temple’s hall and courtyard were filled with men, women and children dressed up for the festival, with began at night with a formal pooja.

A musical group had also been invited to recite verses from holy books and sing, and sweets were distributed among the participants.

Following the prayer, the priest announced, “Holi hai,” and the temple filled with colour. An earthen pot hung in the middle of the courtyard was broken by youngsters to disperse colour over the participants.

“Although the breaking of the earthen pot full of milk and cream is associated with the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, this time we hanged the earthen pot full of colour, as Lord Krishna also celebrated Holi this way,” said Jag Mohan Arora, a community leader.

Mr Arora said Holi celebrates the spring season and is a symbol of unity and love among people.

Earlier, priest Jai Ram explained that Holi is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar.

He said it symbolised the victory of good over evil, and the act of throwing colour at each other is a sign of celebration.

He said that the bonfire was a necessary part of the festival, and was burnt in the memory of Prahad, the son of Hiranyakashipu, a king who presented himself as a god.

He said that Prahad refused to accept his father as god, and was a staunch devotee of the god Vishnu.

He added that playing with colours is a tradition that draws its roots from a legend of Radha and Lord Krishna, who also celebrated the festival.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2018