HR & Bargad organises ceremony of Holi at Governor House

Lahore: Holi celebrations were held at the historic Governor House of Punjab, Lahore to show solidarity among the  Hindu community.

The event was organized by the Human Rights Department in collaboration with a Bargad. festival of colors included lighting oil lamps, cutting cake, distributing sweets and fruits, throwing colored water and powder on each other, eating vegetables and passionate messages from religious leaders to express solidarity with the Hindu community in Pakistan.  Addressing the ceremony, the provincial minister Ejaz Alam said that the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had promised the religious minorities after the establishment of Pakistan that they would get full freedom and rights while for the last three and half years  Festivals are being celebrated at the official level. He said that representatives of religious minorities in Pakistan also had the opportunity to participate in the legislative process, while the official celebration of Holi has raised love and affection. He also highlighted the fact that people of all religions in Pakistan are celebrating their festivals with complete freedom while such celebrations promote mutual love and affection.  Chief of Bargad Sabiha Shaheen said that such celebrations send a clear message to the world that we are all one and no one can separate us.  MPA Yudester Chohan said that tradition of Holi was began from a temple of Multan.  At the end of the ceremony, all the dignitaries including the provincial minister were also awarded special shields by Bargad. Deputy Secretary for Human Rights Muhammad Yousuf and a large number of legislators and leaders of religious minorities from the Hindu community were present on the occasion, while students from various universities and religious communities also attended the festival.