Karachi (ENN)
Millions of people including Pakistani Hindus have congregated to firework displays, prayers and events to mark the start of Diwali, the annual festival of light celebrated every autumn around the world.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, a Sanskrit word meaning “rows of lighted lamps”, is one of the most popular festivals celebrated across South Asia particularly.
According Dr Ayoub Shaikh Pakistani Hindus call it “Diyari” while in Hindi Urdu the festival is known as Diwali or Deepavali. He, greeted Diyari to Hindus of Sindh including people of South Asia.
The festival sees Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the accomplishment of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
Dr Jai Kumar Dawarkani, told that Diyari is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). He told that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana.
The Muslims in Pakistan and India celebrate Diwali to express solidarity and religious harmony with their Hindu sisters and brothers.
Karachi: Illahi Bakhsh Baloch with children
The main event of Diwali is witnessed in Karachi at Ram Swami Naraen Mandar and equally great events are held in Tharparkar, Umer Kot, Tando Mohammad Khan, Hyderabad, Ghotki, Sukkur, Mirpur Khas and other parts of the Sindh.
Karachi: Raheema Panhwar- SSP Shahla Qureshi
