Holi Celebration in Pakistan 2011
How is Holi celebrated in Pakistan
On the occasion of the festival of colors, cultural programs and fairs are held across different cities. For instance in 2010, the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) had made arrangements for Holi celebrations on Ravi Road, where you will find a Hindu Krishna Temple. This is in Lahore. People gathered here for celebrations. Dressed in colorful clothes, people assembled at the temple to offer prayers to the deities.
The temple authorities had prepared food for the visitors, which they distributed soon after the prayer services was over. Large bowls containing different colors of “abeer” or “gulal” were placed at one corner. Visitors splashed colors on each other.
Sweets were exchanged and distributed among one another. A cultural program was arranged at the temple. Participants performed dances and sung Holi songs on the occasion.
Major Holi Events
- Holi in Pakistan is usually celebrated in temples and neighborhood where there are many Hindu families. Sometimes the Muslims and the other non-Hindu communities take part in the celebrations too.
- In Sindh’s Tharparkar District, Holi is celebrated by taking out a Holi parade. People participating in the parade play drums and spray colors as the group marches around the streets and alleys. The sight of Hindus with brightly colored turban and colorful dresses sing, dance, and make merry.
- In Rawalpindi, Holi celebrations take place at the Hindu temples located at Kabari Bazaar, Lalkurti, and Gracey Lane. Holi celebration in Pakistan 2011 is expected to take place at these venues too.
- In Karachi Swami Narayan Temple, is one of the popular spots where holi celebrations take place on a very large scale. As many as 5,000 visitors gather at the temple, offer prayers, and perform the rituals, exchange goodies, and visit friends and relatives. The celebrations begin when the effigy of Holika made of straw and bamboo is burnt on a pyre. As the effigy burns, people assemble around the bonfire and sing “bhajans”. These are spiritual songs that are dedicated to God. These songs are sung to seek blessings and to protect against evil.
- Shopping for holi celebration in Pakistan starts several days prior to the day of main celebration. “Abeer” of various colors like yellow, red, orange, green, and pink are bought. Watercolors are also available in different colors.
- Womenfolk clean their houses and decorate them with images of deities, colored papers, and beautiful flowers and candles. Special Holi dishes are prepared for family members and friends. These days you will find people exchanging gifts and chocolates too.
Last Updated on 28/01/2011
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