The city’s Hindu community on Tuesday celebrated the Raksha Bandhan festival with immense religious fervor, enthusiasm and zeal.
Several functions were arranged in different localities across the city but the biggest events were organised at Ravi Road’s Karishna Madir and Neela Gumbad’s Hari Mandir. Most of the celebrations took place in the houses of the city’s Hindus.
A ceremony under the banner of the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) at Karishna Madir was attended by Pakistan Hindu Welfare Council Chairman Dr Manohar Chand and other members of Hindu community.
The colourful festival symbolises trust between sisters and brothers and reaffirms the bond between siblings. While the sisters pray for the lifelong well-being of their brothers, the latter vow to help and protect the former.
In Ehata, Hindu Sudhar Sabha President Mohan Lal Amarnath’s family and other Hindu families celebrated this festival at their homes, respectively. After pooja, the Hindu girls tied sacred threads on the wrists of their brothers. “Raksha Bandhan reminds us of the need to develop a sense of protection not only for our sisters but also for society,” Amarnath said.
Seeta Ramesh, who recently shifted in Lahore after her marriage with Lahore’s Ramesh Kumar, was also happy after receiving a lot of gifts and chocolates from her brothers who are currenly residing in Nowshehra. “I love to celebrate this festival as I always receive lots of gifts, chocolates and money from my brothers,” 13-year-old Mohini Amar said.
The Hindu Sudhar Sabha is a non-governmental and non-profit community development organisation working for the promotion of peace and coexistence in the society. Furthermore, it also takes part in different educational activities in different parts of Punjab. They always remain active in promoting harmony during religious festivals, including Dewali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan by inviting people belonging from other religions to witness their celebrations.