Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission of the Archdiocese of Karachi went to celebrate the great feast of Diwali of Hindus at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the biggest temple of Karachi in southern Pakistan.
During this celebration Temple trustees presented sweets and Ajrak shawls, the traditional block-printed garment and welcomed the Commission; the Christian leadership also presented flowers bequest and sweets to the Hindu leaders.
The members of the Inter-Religious Dialogue commission also joined the lightening of lamps and later both the communities had enjoyed sparklers at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir which is one of the six functional temples in Karachi.
“I wish Diwali, day of light to all the Hindu Community, let us put our words into action,” said his Eminence Joseph Cardinal Coutts, Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Karachi.
The Prelate also said that “today on the feast of Diwali, I can see the beautiful smile of togetherness on all the faces and I wish it may continue always, let us promote mutual love and unity.
During this visit on Nov. 3 2021, His Eminence Joseph also gave interview to a PTV, the National TV channel and said “We should meet up to promote love and unity and I also feel sad about the present circumstances in our country. Unfortunately, differences are growing between religious communities.”
Mr. Vijay Mujrani, a member of Prem Sagar, a chapter of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir while speaking to CityNews has said that the Temple trustees and Hindu community had welcomed the Inter-Religious Dialogue commission warm heartedly, and this was first time that His Eminence Joseph himself had come and celebrated Diwali with us in the temple.
Mr. Vijay Mujrani also said that on behalf of his Hindu community he thank Rev. Fr. Saleh Diego, Director of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Mr. Kashif Anthony, member of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Coordinator of National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Church who arranged this historical visit, he also thanked Sindh government and Mr. Chela Ram Kewlani, chairman of the National Commission for Minorities who declared a public holiday for Diwali on Nov. 4 2021.
The Prelate and members of the Commission of the Archdiocese of Karachi also visited and joined a prayer service at Gurdwara of Sikh Community, located in the same compound and presented flower bouquet to Sikh community’ high priest.