Holi celebrated with fervour, unity at Valmiki Mandir

The vibrant festival of Holi was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy at the 1,200-year-old Valmiki Mandir, located at the corner of Bhim Street in Lahore’s Neela Gumbad area of Anarkali Bazar, on Friday.

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Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, Chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan, shared photos of the lively celebrations on social media, which depicted hundreds of people playing with water colours, gulal, and dancing to devotional tunes. Qureshi and his friends actively participated in the celebrations, exchanging colours and dancing with the community.

Qureshi emphasised that festivals like Holi are a reflection of the rich heritage that promotes harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect. “We have been celebrating these festivals together, and this tradition should be preserved and strengthened. We must also jointly commemorate the anniversaries of the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for freedom from the British,” he said.

In August 2022, Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) regained possession of the Valmiki Mandir, which had been embroiled in a legal battle. A Christian family, which had converted to Hinduism, had filed a case in 2010-11 claiming ownership. The case was ultimately decided in favor of the ETPB, with the court accusing the Christian family of making false claims. Later, a one-member commission appointed by Pakistan’s Supreme Court recommended that the temple be restored and that proper facilities be provided to the Hindu community. The Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee now oversees the country’s Hindu temples.

During a recent visit to the temple, the priest, Ashtak Valmiki, informed that the government had approved a Rs 1.12 million renovation project for Valmiki Mandir, which is currently underway. The renovation includes the reconstruction of the entrance gate, a tomb, and a room. Additionally, two washrooms and other necessary facilities are expected to be completed this year, according to the approved site plan.ETPB also reported that Holi was celebrated at the Krishna Mandir near Ravi Road in Lahore, with tight security measures in place.