PHOTOS BY: ATHAR HUSSAIN
TEXT BY : MOHSIN SOOMRO
NEWSPAKISTAN.TV EXCLUSIVE
KARACHI: Laughter, excitement, prayers and Moortis (sacred statues of Hindu gods and goddesses) doused with vibrant colors, these were the scenes witnessed as Hindu Community in Pakistan celebrates ‘Maha Yagya Pooja’ (the act of worship) on the birthday of their God Hanuman with a good deal of cultural zeal and vigor in Shri Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi.
Citizens of the minority community gathered in great numbers to relish in the spirit and festivities of the occasion. From offering Bhajans to distributing Prashad amongst each other, the holiday fervor seemed to grip every one. Maha Yagya Pooja is the act of worship in which Hindu Bhagts (worshippers) start their prayers by bathing Lord Hanuman with a liquid made with oil and Sindoor. After that, people visit every holy statue of the gods and goddesses to offer Aarti (prayer/worship).
According to a Sevak of the temple, Amar Nath, Shri Panch Mukhi Hanuman temple is about 1500 years old and people of the minority Hindu community across the world come here to participate in the festivities.
“Ours is one of the oldest temples. Maha Yagya Pooja is only celebrated in this temple in Pakistan. It has been celebrated by the Hindu community of the country in the past as well and people from many countries come here once a year on the birthday of Shri Hanuman to seek the blessings,” said Amar Nath.
Shri Panch Mukhi Hanuman temple is located in the premises of Soldier Bazaar Karachi. It is quite a big temple surrounded by the houses of Hindu Community.
