AMRITSAR: For the first time since Indo-Pak partition, Pakistan government has begun installation of shikhar kalash (peak urn) on the domes of Hindu temples which are believed to have been plundered decades ago and most recently during anti-Hindu protests in Pakistan as an aftermath of demolition of Babri mosque in India.
The sewa (voluntary service) of renovation of domes and installation of Shikhar Kalash is being under taken by Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), enshrined with the task to manage Hindu and Sikh properties in Pakistan post 1947 Indo-Pak partition, after its chairman Farooq ul Saddiq himself made personal financial contribution for the sewa.
“Yes, I began the sewa by making donations from my personal resources for installation of shikhar kalash but don’t ask me how much’said Farooq while talking to TOI on Friday.
The work is being personally monitored by deputy secretary, Hindu Affairs, ETPB, Faraz Abbas.
Stating that the sewa had begun at Katasraj cluster of temples, he informed that temple domes having cracks were being repaired and after that shikhar kalash were being installed on them.
Farooq informed that ETPB had got the brass kalash made from master artisans of Lahore which were later gold plated before their installation. “We have begun the renovation work which will be extended to all the Hindu temples managed under ETPB” he said.
He also informed that ETPB had got several cages installed and green belt developed for birds and animals in the surrounding area of Katasraj temple cluster.
Farooq said ETPB was in touch with prominent Hindu leaders of Pakistan so as to carry out the renovation work of religious places in conformity with Hindu religious practices adding that all the renovation expenses and cost of shikhar kalash was being borne by ETPB.
