The three-day festivities at the historic Kali Temple began in Kalat as a larger number of Hindus from across Pakistan gathered for their religious event despite the freezing winter.

The Kali Temple, which is reportedly about over 1500 years old, is located in the Shahi Bazaar, Kalat, Balochistan. Inside the temple, it has the second biggest ‘Kali Mata Statue’ in Asia, as believers said that she spent most of her life in Kalat.

During the festival, the Hindu community organises special prayers and also prayed for the development and security of the country. Special food stalls have also been set up at the fair and foods are also being distributed.

They said that Pakistan is their country and they have all kinds of freedom. “If we talk about security, the Kalat police and Levies have made elaborate arrangements for the fair, and special checks are done for those participating in the fair at all entry and exit points.”

The festival will wrap up on January 27.