ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a rare display of religious harmony, the desert town of Mithi, located in Sindh’s Tharparkar district, has become a symbol of peaceful coexistence as Hindus and Muslims came together to celebrate both Holi and Ramadan.
The town, which is predominantly Hindu despite Pakistan’s majority Muslim population, witnessed a unique blend of the two religious festivals this year. Holi, the festival of colors, coincided with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, creating an exceptional opportunity for both communities to celebrate side by side.
A Rare Moment of Religious Solidarity
Mithi, a city of around 60,000 people, is one of the few places in Pakistan where Hindus form a majority, a fact that contributes to its distinct atmosphere of unity. The town, known for its mud-brick homes and vast sand dunes, saw Hindus preparing meals for fasting Muslims, while Muslims joined in the Holi processions with colorful powders and festive spirit.
Raj Kumar, a local Hindu businessman, shared, “All the traditions and rituals here are celebrated together. You will see Hindu youth and Muslim youth celebrating Holi together, applying colors to each other.” This sentiment was echoed by local residents, who emphasized the shared values of respect and mutual support that have persisted for generations.
Holi Celebrations and the Spirit of Togetherness
On March 13, hundreds of Hindus participated in a colorful procession through the streets of Mithi, marking the arrival of spring with joyous revelry. Muslims, in turn, warmly welcomed the procession in the town square, offering their support and sharing in the spirit of the festival.
Mohan Lal Mali, a 53-year-old local, remarked on the significance of these celebrations: “We have learned to live together since childhood. This has been passed down through generations, and we are continuing this tradition.” Mali had also arranged a meal for the Muslim community to break their fast, showcasing the interfaith support that defines Mithi.
Respect for Religious Observances
Despite the lively celebrations, both communities showed respect for each other’s religious observances. Muslims refrained from joining the usual Holi festivities due to their fasting during Ramadan, and Hindu residents were mindful of the sanctity of the month. “Today, you might not see colors on me, but in the past, they would drench me in colors,” said Babu Aslam Qaimkhani, a Muslim cleric, applying powder to the face of local Hindu MP Mahesh Kumar Malani.
Malani, Pakistan’s only elected Hindu member of parliament, reflected on the inclusive atmosphere in Mithi, where political and social boundaries do not divide the communities. “If a Hindu runs for office, Muslims also vote for them, and vice versa,” he said.
Mithi’s Model of Peaceful Coexistence
The peaceful coexistence in Mithi stands in contrast to other parts of Pakistan, where religious tensions have sometimes led to divisions. Locals attribute the town’s unique atmosphere to its remote location and the influence of traditional values. Abdul Haleem Jagirani, a local official, highlighted that Mithi’s low crime rate and strong community ties allow for a peaceful celebration of religious festivals, adding that the town has “no major security challenges.”
Fozia Haseeb, a Christian woman who traveled from Karachi to witness the celebrations, praised the unity in Mithi, saying, “People following three religions—Christians, Hindus, and Muslims—are here together, and there is no doubt this is true.”
Looking to the Future
As Mithi continues to foster an environment of interfaith harmony, it stands as a testament to the power of community bonds. While the town’s remote location in the Tharparkar desert has contributed to its unique cultural atmosphere, the example set by its residents demonstrates the potential for peaceful coexistence even in regions with complex religious dynamics.
With the holy month of Ramadan concluding and the Holi festivities in full swing, the town of Mithi remains a beacon of hope, showing that, even in times of tension, shared traditions can unite people across religious lines.