The Hindu community has cancelled its annual Ram Leela performance out of respect for Muharram. The 50-feet-high effigy of Ravana will not be set on fire this year. Ram Leela play is performed during Navratri at Swami Narayan Mandir, located in Clifton, Karachi.
"A large number of people of our community come every year to watch Ram Leela," Kishan Lal, the vice-president of Swami Narayan Sheva Garba Mandal, told a Pakistani news outlet. "But since roads are closed due to security these days, many people won't be able to attend the event," he added. "Nobody told us not to perform the Ram Leela. But obviously they [Muslims] are our brothers. They respect us and we respect them," the leader added. He said the effigy of Ravana will not be burnt this year as the rite is carried out only when Ram Leela happens.
"Everyone deserves respect," said, Bahanji Lakshman, a visitor at the temple. Lakshman had no issues with not having Ram Leela as the timings clashed with Muharram. Navratri, which means nine consecutive nights, is observed every year to pay homage to Hindu deity Durga and to celebrate Ram's victory over Ravana, a fight that symbolises the victory of good over evil.
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