Durga Puja in Pakistan

In Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim nation, the Hindu community is a small minority and Durga Puja is not widely celebrated across the country. However, within Hindu communities, particularly those in Sindh where the majority of Pakistani Hindus reside, Durga Puja may be observed by some devotees.

The Day: Durga Puja typically spans over a period of ten days during the month of Ashvin in the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. The last five days are more significant and culminate on Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

History: The festival honors the goddess Durga, who is revered for her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This symbolizes the victory of good over evil. While Pakistan was part of undivided India before 1947, festivals like Durga Puja were celebrated by the local Hindu population. Post-partition, due to significant demographic changes and migration, many traditions have been scaled down or limited to family gatherings.

Traditions: Those who celebrate Durga Puja in Pakistan usually do so within their communities and homes due to security concerns and limited public spaces for such celebrations. The festivities may include:

1. Idol Worship: Installing clay idols of Goddess Durga for worship.
2. Puja Rituals: Conducting traditional puja (worship rituals) at homes or in temples.
3. Fasting and Feasting: Some individuals may fast during this period followed by feasts that include special dishes.
4. Cultural Programs: If possible, cultural programs showcasing dance, music, and drama based on Hindu mythology might be organized within close-knit community circles.

What People Do: On a typical day of Durga Puja in Pakistan's Hindu community:

• They perform morning rituals including offering prayers (aarti) to Goddess Durga.
• Families gather to participate in puja ceremonies.
• Community members might exchange greetings and sweets with one another.
• Evening aarti might be followed by cultural activities if security conditions permit.

Given that religious minorities often face challenges in Pakistan regarding open celebrations of their festivals, Durga Puja tends to be a low-key affair compared to how it is celebrated in countries like India or Bangladesh where it is one of the major festivals for Hindus.