RAWALPINDI: The three-day Diwali celebrations started on Thursday marking beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar.

Hindus living in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad decorate doors of their houses with colours and light earthen lamps to celebrate the return of their god Ram Jee.

Walls of houses are covered with small footprints of the goddess which are made of rice and flour powder.

A priest identified as Jai Ram, Krishna Temple told Dawn that the main function for collective puja (prayer) at the temple was postponed due to a death in the community.

However, he said that formal prayers related to the occasion were held on Thursday morning. “Special prayers were offered for the people and the country,” he said, adding most people arranged family gatherings in their houses.

Mr Ram said Diwali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’ is the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar. He said the festival symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind.

The festival is connected with deep rooted cultural values of the Hindu religion. People wake up early in the morning, wear new clothes, offer their prayers and touch the feet of their elders and in return elders give them Diwali gifts.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2021