ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: Hindu citizens rang in their new year by tolling bells and singing Bhajans (hyms) at their temples on Wednesday.

Diwali, the festival of lights, heralds the new year for the Hindus and was celebrated overnight, portraying happiness and hope of the community and renewing friendships and goodwill for their compatriots.

Dozens of Hindu men, women and children dressed in their best gathered at the nearly 80-year-old Maharishi Guru Walmik Swami Mandir in Chaklala for puja (worship) and aarti.

Worshipers paused at the doorstep of the Mandir, bent down to touch the floor and tap on the bell hanging above and then stepped inside.

And all were in a joyous and enthusiastic mood to wish each other a happy new year.

The Mandir was decorated as an old style hut - a few lamps in the niches, while outside colourful blinking lights set it apart from old barracks.

“Diwali is celebrated in the memory of Shri Ram Chandir Jee who was banished by his father from the kingdom. He was sent into exile in the forests. “On Diwali, we try to re-enact the way that Rama came back. So the people celebrate his return after 14 long years in triumph after defeating the demon Ravan who had captured his wife Sita,” said President Pakistan Hindu Maha Subha Jagdesh Bhatti.

“It’s about celebrating with great devotion and enthusiasm. Diwali is by far the most important,” he added.

“Diwali is also a time to pray to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, for good future. It is also the time for the community to light candles, dress in their best clothes, invite friends and families and eat traditional foods including sweets such as barfi and pastries made of cereal and sugar,” said a lady who was enjoying the music as Jehangir Sagar on harmonium sang bhajans accompanied by Shahid Nashad on acoustic guitar and Ifran Masih on tablas.

“We use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships,” said another lady.After prayers, visitors sat around the singers as they all sang together “Aye Ram aye Ram” and “Ay rom rom main basnay walay Ram” to mention some.

Not yet firmly transplanted into community cultural calendar but Diwali attracts fair amount of media attention.

“May each faith, family and community find much to celebrate and hope for as we go forward in these difficult times,” prayed one of the Hindu priests, Channa Lal.

Diwali’s magical and radiant touch created an atmosphere of joy and festivity.