Religious harmony prevails in Lahore

Mar 25, 2008 16:58:59

LAHORE: Four major religious events – Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Good Friday, Holi and Nauroz – were celebrated in the city on Friday, giving rise to nothing but religious harmony among Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Parsis.

The Muslims celebrated Eid Milad-un-Nabi that falls on Rabiul Awwal 12 of the Muslim calendar, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The main procession was taken out on Friday afternoon from Milad Chowk, Delhi Gate, which concluded at Data Darbar. People offered special prayers and held Mehfil-e-Milads. Several buildings in the city were illuminated and streets were decorated.

Young children prepared paharis that model mountains to symbolise Mount Noor, which neighbours Mecca, the city of the Prophet’s (PBUH) birth. The people also distributed sweets and arranged gatherings where they recited verses from the Quran and naats.

The Christians celebrated Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Special services were held at churches across the city. Anglican Bishop of Lahore Dr Alexander John Malik said that on this day Christians meditated on the seven sentences that Christ had spoken while he was being crucified. “Melancholic hymns were sung in churches to share in the sorrow and agony of Jesus.”

The Hindus celebrated Holi at Krishna Temple, Ravi Road, with great enthusiasm. Principal US Consulate Bryan D Hunt and people from other religions, including Muslims, Christians and Sikhs, also participated in the event. The event started with Hawan (worship service) after which youngsters threw colourful, dry and liquid dyes at each other. They also danced and sweets were distributed afterwards.

The Parsi and Baha’i communities celebrated Jashan-e-Nauroz, which reflected the rich cultural heritage of Iran. According to tradition, the day marks the renewal of life and the world. Community gatherings were held where special dishes, typical of Iranian origin, were prepared for over dinner and lunch.