AMN / KARACHI
The government of Sindh in Pakistan has announced Monday, October 28 as a holiday on account of the Hindu festival of Diwali (Deepawali) in all government offices.
According to a notification from Sindh Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah dated October 25, the government declared “28th October, 2019 (Monday) as Holiday for HINDU COMMUNITY on the occasion of DIWALI for all offices, Autonomous, Semi-Autonomous Bodies, Corporations and Local Councils under the administrative control of Government of Sindh”.
The Hindu community celebrates Diwali — also called Deepavali and the “festival of lights” — annually in autumn with religious zeal and fervour, decorating houses with lamps called ‘diyas’, fairy lights, and candles.
The holiday symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
According to the Hindu belief, Diwali is observed in honour of deities Rama and Sita’s return to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile and Goddess Durga’s destruction a demon called Mahisha. It also celebrates the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.
The Hindu community offers prayers and holds ceremonies at the various temples across Pakistan.