A Hindu festival in southwestern Pakistan brings a mountainous region to life
HINGLAJ, Pakistan (AP) — The ascent of steep mud volcanoes marks the start of Hindu pilgrims’ religious rituals in southwestern Pakistan.
They climb hundreds of stairs or clamber over rocks to reach the summit, tossing coconuts and rose petals into the shallow crater while seeking divine permission to visit Hinglaj Mata, an ancient cave temple that is the focus of their three-day worship.
The dramatic surroundings of Hingol National Park in Baluchistan province are the setting for Pakistan’s largest Hindu festival, Hinglaj Yatra, which started on Friday and ends on Sunday. Organizers say more than 100,000 Hindus are expected to participate.
Muslim-majority Pakistan is home to 4.4 million Hindus, just 2.14% of the population, and Hinglaj Mata is one of the few Hindu sites that continues to draw large numbers of pilgrims every year from across the country.
Related articles
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
She is one of America's most recognisable fashion models.And Bella Hadid continued to show why she i2024-05-21Brazil's president creates two new Indigenous territories, bringing total in his term to 10
SAO PAULO (AP) — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday announced the creation of two new I2024-05-21Missouri lawmakers expand private school scholarships backed by tax credits
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill to expand private school sch2024-05-21Kansas GOP congressman Jake LaTurner is not running again, citing family reasons
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner is not running for reelection this y2024-05-21- DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noi2024-05-21
Kelly Clarkson, 41, rocks a little black dress highlighting her 40
Kelly Clarkson was looking her best on Wednesday when she showed off a sizzling little black dress f2024-05-21
atest comment