Hindu woman to rock Krishna at Lahore temple

Lahore, Aug 24: For the first time since Partition in 1947, a Hindu woman has decided to swing the palna (cradle) at a Krishna Temple in Lahore on Sunday, Aug 24 to mark Janmashtami, and swing an idol of Lord Krishna in it, a ritual practiced across the world on this festive occasion.

Sources in the Hindu community and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) reportedly said that the ritual of swinging the palna at the Krishna temple was regularly practiced before the partition, however, although Janmashtmi was still celebrated afterwards, the swinging of the palna was only practiced in Sindh. According to the Daily Times, for the first time since Partition Shusheela Raj, a Hindu female, along with 15 pilgrims from Sindh, will participate in the festival today at the Krishna temple on Ravi Road in Lahore. Shusheela said she would participate in the festival as the first ever Sindhi Hindu woman to swing the idol of Krishna in the palna at this temple.

Sources said that ETPB Chairman Muhammad Javeed would be the chief guest at the festival.

Krishna temple General Secretary said the swinging of the idol was a part of the ritual exercised at Krishna temples across the world. He said, "Janmashtmi is an eight-day Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of one of Hinduism's greatest gods, Krishna."

Hindus would fast for 24 hours during the Janmashtmi. Sunil Chand, a Hindu social activist, said and added that around 200 Hindus and Sikhs from Lahore would also participate in the festival.

Krishna temple Executive Secretary Suny Kumar said that women would decorate their houses and prepare sweets made from butter to welcome Krishna's birth at midnight. The footprints of children would be marked in red ink from the entrance of the houses to the meditation rooms to symbolise his visit.

ANI