Pakistani Hindus Appeal for Security and Access to Holi Festival at Dilapidated Prahladpuri Temple

A Hindu rights organization in Pakistan has urged the government to ensure security for celebrations at Prahladpuri Temple, where Holi allegedly originated. Concerns over neglect and limited access to the temple for religious events have been raised by local Hindus, demanding constitutional rights and security assurances.

The All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement has called on the Pakistani government to ensure security and accessibility for Hindus celebrating Holi at the historic Prahladpuri Temple in Multan, Punjab. The temple is dedicated to Narasimha, with folklore suggesting the origins of the Holi festival there.

Haroon Sarab Diyal, the organization's chairman, emphasized the need for safety arrangements from March 14-16 for Holi celebrations, urging authorities to collaborate with the local Hindu community to address safety concerns. He stressed the community's right to practice their customs and worship freely.

Expressing disappointment with the treatment of Hindus in Pakistan, Diyal detailed issues of neglect and limited access to temples. Citing past struggles to perform religious ceremonies at Prahladpuri Temple, Diyal called for urgent government action, labeling the denial of access as a breach of constitutional rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)