Swat hosts first Valmiki Jayanti celebration for Pakistan's Hindu community

Swat district officials joined Hindu community members for the region's first Valmiki Jayanti celebration. The event underscored minority rights, religious freedom and interfaith harmony in Pakistan.Stock photo used for illustrationPeshawar,Oct 27, 2026 15:34 ISTPakistan's minority Hindu community celebrated Valmiki Jayanti for the first time in the northwestern Swat district, news agency Press Trust of India reported, citing an official.The Swat district administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organised the event on Monday. The festival marks the birth anniversary of sage Valmiki, who authored the Ramayana, a Sanskrit epic considered one of Hinduism's most sacred texts.Members of the Valmiki Hindu community performed religious rituals and offered special prayers for Pakistan's progress, prosperity and security, as well as for interfaith harmony.Additional Deputy Commissioner Nematullah, Assistant Commissioner Afnan Raza and minority community representative Dr Sunny Kumar attended the ceremony as guests of honour, the official told Press Trust of India. A Hindu priest from the Valmiki community explained the religious significance of the festival to participants. Community members also performed rituals in accordance with their religious traditions.Speakers highlighted the importance of religious freedom, the protection of minority rights and mutual respect among followers of different faiths, the official said. They stressed that respecting the religious and cultural traditions of all communities was essential for peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony. Hindu community representatives thanked the Swat district administration for organising the event and making the necessary arrangements, including security.The district administration said protecting minority rights, ensuring religious freedom and promoting interfaith harmony were among its key priorities. It described the event as an important step towards recognising religious diversity, acknowledging minority traditions and promoting tolerance in Swat.The first Valmiki Jayanti celebration organised by the Swat administration brought together officials and members of the Hindu community, with the event focusing on religious freedom, minority rights and interfaith harmony.With PTI Inputs- Ends