Krishna Temple reconstruction delays disrupt Diwali, Holi gatherings

RAWALPINDI: Reconstruction of the Krishna Temple in Rawalpindi, described as the only place of worship for the Hindu community in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, remains incomplete despite the passage of the last 10 months, affecting the community’s ability to hold large religious gatherings on Diwali and Holi.

According to the temple management, the reconstruction project carries an estimated cost of Rs40 million. The temple was handed over to the Evacuee Trust Property Board on June 12, 2025, and work on the site began in July. The project includes the construction and repair of halls, rooms, washrooms and other sections of the building.

At present, the puja room and veranda remain intact, while the rest of the temple is still under construction. Members of the Hindu community said the ongoing work had discouraged many people from visiting the temple, especially on Tuesdays, which they described as a prayer day. They said many worshippers had instead been offering puja at home.

On Saturday, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora visited Rawalpindi and reviewed the repair and renovation work at the temple in detail. Officials briefed him on the pace and status of the ongoing construction during the visit.

Mr Arora said there would be no compromise on either the speed or the quality of the work and directed that the repair and renovation be completed as early as possible.

Later, the provincial minister visited Haveli Sajjan Singh, where officials also briefed him on development work under way there. Speaking on the occasion, he said beautification and preservation efforts at historical religious sites were continuing in line with the chief minister’s vision.

Mr Arora also visited the Maharishi Guru Om Balmik Temple, where members of the Hindu community informed him about the need for development work. He directed the relevant authorities to address the issues raised during the visit.

Pakistan Hindu Sikh Social Welfare Council President Sardar Heera Lal said the Hindu community appreciated the provincial government’s role in the reconstruction of the Krishna Temple and called for the project to be completed without further delay.

Temple work and community concerns

The delay in completing the reconstruction has had a direct impact on religious activity at the site, according to members of the community. With much of the structure still under construction, the temple has not been able to fully serve worshippers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad for major occasions and regular prayer gatherings.

The Krishna Temple project includes multiple structural components, and only limited portions of the premises are currently usable. Community members said this situation had reduced attendance at the temple and shifted worship to private homes for many devotees.