SINDH GOVT TO OFFICIALLY MARK HOLI, DECLARE PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Youngsters in several Pakistani cities are busy planning Holi bashes after a resolution was passed by parliament to declare the festivals of minority communities as official holidays, a move that’s likely to leave peace-bashers dejected.
Pakistan’s minority Hindus have celebrated Holi over the years but in the absence of support from authorities, the festivities have been low-key at most places. This year, however, there are plans to usher in a change as Muslim organisations have pledged support for organising Holi Milans.
Among those who have planned parties at their homes is Islamabad-based social activist Nida Paras Dayo, who says the people who are most excited with the move to declare Holi as a holiday are Hindu students in schools and universities.
“People are very optimistic that Holi on March 24 will be declared a holiday. Hindu students in schools and universities couldn’t celebrate it earlier due to exams during this period. I am glad that this issue was put up in parliament after a long struggle,” says Nida.
Pooja Rajput, a young engineer from Karachi, is equally thrilled. A few days ago, her Muslim friends came with her to the local temple for Shivratri celebrations. She is hoping Holi celebrations will be even more exuberant as the government of Sindh province has declared a holiday for the festival.
“It is such a laudable move! I am happy that despite Pakistan struggling with grave issues like religious extremism and terrorism, this was brought up in parliament. Last year, our prime minister attended Diwali celebrations. I am overjoyed that Holi will be declared a holiday for minorities. It is only love that can conquer hatred and this move has reinstated my faith in the victory of good over evil,” says Pooja.
Some Pakistanis have gone on a nostalgia trip, fondly recalling celebrating Holi as kids. “I played Holi long back in Islamabad. I was invited to a friend’s house for a private celebration of the festival. I eagerly accepted the invite as from what I had seen in movies and TV. The party happened in a garden that was set up with mandalas,” says Mehrooz Waseem, an artist-singer and model based in Islamabad.