It's not always easy to celebrate the festival of lights for the persecuted minority community, but it would be wrong to say that it doesn't exist at all in the country. A ringside view on the hopes and fears of a people
Last week, while talking to members of the Hindu community in Pakistan about how they celebrate Diwali, I hit upon an interesting conversation. “Which version of Diwali are you really interested in hearing about?” I was asked. “Do you want mawkish portrayals of a minority community celebrating their religious festival in a seemingly tolerant country? Or do you want examples of how close-minded and petty the state can be to a people that faces open persecution?”
I got the point. There was no one all-encompassing answer to describe how Hindus celebrate Diwali in Pakistan, but one thing was clear — that the festival holds a special place in the minds and hearts of the people.
I got the point. There was no one all-encompassing answer to describe how Hindus celebrate Diwali in Pakistan, but one thing was clear — that the festival holds a special place in the minds and hearts of the people.