Diwali Celebration: Is it the same Karachi lanes infamous for atrocities on minority Hindus? Is it the same country where minorities are forcibly converted and girls are married to the majority of Muslims against their will?
But, yesterday Karachi presented a very different perspective. The reticent homes lined inside the compound around the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Monday were all lit and decorated with colourful fairy lights and clay lamps, also those battery-operated plastic lamps and candles for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
The Sindh government in a gesture of religious harmony had already declared Monday as a holiday for the Hindu community in all offices, autonomous, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils so nothing was coming in the way of them and the celebrations. Besides, the local majority community also joined the Hindus in solidarity, thus providing a rare gesture.
Colourful ‘Rangoli’ as usual was also could be seen, decorated at the entrance of every household which is considered auspicious in ‘Zoroastrian’ ‘and Parsi culture. ‘Rangoli’ carries a spiritual connotation as it reflects happiness and vivacity.
Both the lights and the decorated entrances welcome the goddess Lakshmi, who, According to Hindu mythology, the lights decorated at the entrances welcome Goddess Lakshmi which embodies prosperity and excellent fortune.
Diwali is celebrated to venerate the birthday of ‘Lakshmi’. It is also said that she choose to get married on her birthday to Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Laxmi desired to get married to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and the protector of the ‘Universe’,
Other mythological beliefs say that Lord Rama after defeating Ravana came back to Ayodhya on this day, and the people lit ‘DEEP” (earthen lamps) on the streets of Ayodhya to welcome him after his victorious crusade. And so it is celebrated as ‘Deepawali’ the festival of ‘Lights’ that symbolizes the
victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.
Can the religious tolerance expressed by the majority Muslims have perpetuity?
Now, the moot question is – Can the religious tolerance and maturity shown by the common populace amongst the majority community in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan overpower the blatantly radicalized religious fanatics who only understand the words of hatred and believe in bullets and blood-bath? Can there be peace and tranquillity in Pakistan any day, when all the religious communities live with complete mutual harmony? We have to understand that it is not only the minorities who have suffered the wrath of communally radicalized devils, the majorities also stand victims of those blood-thirsty radical militants.
Common populace are the worst sufferers at the hands of hot-headed ‘Pakistani Army’ and the ‘Radical Extremists’
Besides, the common populace of Pakistan is one of the worst sufferers at the hands of the hotheaded Pakistani Army which has deprived its citizens of normalcy, peace and progress. The people of Pakistan have endured the worst economic crisis because of its obstinate and unworthy military establishment, which has siphoned billions of economic resources for fighting an unending war against India, just to satisfy their sham ego.
Is it the time – the common man of Pakistan – comes out of his trepidations? Muster enough courage to fight the age-old evils, their enemies at home – the radical extremists and the imprudent military establishment who will always remain perilous for the overall growth and development of our neighbours, Pakistan.
And Pakistan will always remain our neighbour – ‘Good or Evil’.
May the Festival of Deepawali bring Peace, Prosperity and Happiness in Pakistan, TOO.
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