Hindu Maha Sabha condemns ‘inflammatory’ remarks amid Umhlanga Diwali fireworks row

Islamabad and Rawalpindi's Hindu community observed Diwali at their homes this past Sunday, as the sole active temple in the twin cities - Krishna Mandir in Saddar - remained shut for reconstruction. This marked the second year in a row that the temple had been inaccessible for mass prayers. Despite the closure, Hindus celebrated the main festival on the Hindu religious calendar within their homes, decorating doors with colors and lighting earthen lamps to commemorate the return of their god, Shri Ram.

Rice and flour powder footprints of a Hindu goddess were also drawn on house walls. The Punjab government urged for the temple's reconstruction to be finished as soon as possible; the project costs Rs40 million. The temple, transferred to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on June 12, 2025, began reconstruction in July. Currently, the puja room and verandah remain intact while the rest of the temple is under construction.

Community members mentioned that many people avoided the temple due to ongoing work, particularly on Tuesdays, a day for prayer. Yet, the temple work has reportedly ceased. ETPB Administrator Yasir Asghar could not be reached for comment. Sardar Hira Lal, President of the Pakistan Hindu Sikh Social Welfare Council, stated that Diwali was marked with simplicity for the second consecutive year due to the temple's closure, with no alternative place for mass prayers.

He emphasized that the Krishna Temple in the garrison city was still under construction. Consequently, the community celebrated their religious festivals at home. Mohan Das, a Hindu resident, expressed how the temple's closure made it challenging to perform prayers on Tuesdays and other days as part of the community's routine. He added that while a private temple existed in Lal Kurti, the community preferred the Krishna Temple.

Jai Ram, a priest, was in Sindh to join his relatives for Diwali celebrations, as the Krishna Temple was closed. He noted that Hindus celebrated the festival every year, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, with lights illuminated to signify celebration and God's victory. In Attock, the Hindu community also celebrated Diwali with traditional fervor and spiritual devotion, illuminating their homes with oil lamps and offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and harmony in Pakistan.

The Valmiki Temple, the sole Hindu place of worship in Attock, began proceedings with the recitation of the Ramayana, followed by special prayers and worship led by Pandit Sarwan Kumar. Decorated for the occasion, the temple engendered a sense of religious solemnity and festive joy. Pandit Sarwan Kumar highlighted the religious and spiritual significance of Diwali, traditionally associated with Lord Shri Ram Chandra Jee's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

He explained that the lighting of lamps embodied the triumph of righteousness over evil and light over darkness, conveying a universal message of compassion, hope, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. He praised the government and local administration for ensuring security and facilitating the Hindu community during their religious festivals.