–Speakers call Diwali a spiritual victory over darkness, ignorance
LAHORE: People from different religious communities on Sunday gathered here to celebrate Jashn-e-Diwali, a get together in connection with the festival of lights.
Diwali, as one of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The event, arranged by the Institute of Peace and Secular Studies (IPSS) in collaboration with the Hindu Sudhar Sabha, started with the decoration of the Rangoli, an art created on the ground using coloures, coloured sand and flower petals, to bring good luck.
Soon after the Puja (prayers) by Pundit Deep Chand Chohan, the devotees sung jointly Shri Ganesh Aarti and Mata Lakshmi Aarti, a religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) is offered to one or more deities.
The devotees also sang some Bhajans, the devotional songs. Besides Hindus, the other community members also lit up earthen lamps. The interesting part of the event was illuminating the sky with fireworks.
Addressing the event, Hindu Sudhar Sabha president Amarnath Randhawa extended good wishes to the participants, saying Diwali recalls the night when Lord Rama returned to his palace in Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after a 14-year exile.
He said that Diwali continues to evoke deep spiritual meanings for all individuals and for the nation. He asked riche people to do contribute to the welfare of fellow human beings, as gift exchange and donations show manifestation of affection, love and relationships.
“We pray for our country, our leaders and our people. May Bhagwan bless us with prosperity, tranquility, peace and harmony,” said Amarnath. “Let each lamp we light bring a glow of happiness on our face, enlighten our soul and bring goodness to those around us,” he said.
