Hinglaj Mata festival concludes peacefully with record pilgrims

QUETTA: The three-day annual Hinglaj Mata festival has successfully concluded, drawing over 200,000 Hindu pilgrims and devotees from across Pakistan.

The religious fair, held at the historic Hinglaj Mata temple nestled in the mountains approximately 140 kilometers from Uthal in Lasbela district and 15 kilometers off the Makran Coastal Highway, witnessed a record turnout this year.

The government of Balochistan, through the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), ensured extensive arrangements for the event. Security was significantly tightened with coordinated deployment of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Police, and Levies. Pakistan Coast Guards also operated a four-day free medical camp where male and female doctors treated pilgrims and provided free medicines.

The Shri Hinglaj Mata Welfare Mandli set up round-the-clock food and drink stalls (Bhandara) for pilgrims, especially those who arrived barefoot, fulfilling their spiritual vows. Pilgrims participated in various religious rituals such as the sacred bath in the Hingol River, offerings at the volcanic Chandragup mud volcano, and worship inside the Hinglaj Mata cave temple.

Deputy Commissioner Lasbela, Humaira Baloch, and SSP Lasbela, Atif Amir, personally visited the festival site to review administrative and security measures. Under the direction of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the PDMA distributed nearly 10,000 ration bags, mats, and tarpaulins among the pilgrims.

Festival organisers, including Mandli spokesperson Prakash Kumar Lassi, President Makhhi Vinod Kumar Lassi, and other officials, expressed gratitude to the district administration and government for their cooperation.

Speaking to journalists, they emphasised the spiritual importance of the pilgrimage, noting the growing devotion reflected in the record number of participants. Hundreds of stalls were set up selling religious items, food, and souvenirs.

The Hinglaj Mata festival stands not only as a spiritual cornerstone for Pakistan’s Hindu community but also as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony. Local Muslim tribes actively participate in hosting and assisting pilgrims, reflecting a long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence in the region.