Haroon Khalid's "A White Trail" is an account of Pakistan's religious minorities, who have culturally assimilated into the Islamic Republic, often taking on Muslim names in a hope to survive and thrive post-1947.
Khalid's journey into the heart of Pakistan's religious minorities takes him to the gurdwaras, the churches, and the temples - most of which are in ruins - thanks to the post-Partition riots and later as revenge for the demolition of Babri mosque in Ayodhya in 1992.
The journey to document their religious beliefs and folk tales wasn't easy for Khalid.
"...The biggest challenge was the constant fear in the minds of the minorities, which would lead to self-imposed restrictions when responding to slightly 'controversial' questions...," writes Khalid in his introductory note.
Often names have been changed to protect the identity of the minorities.
The book opens with a chapter on Holi in Multan in Punjab province and details how Parvati Devi ran for her life with her aged mother and sister when the mobs came for her in 1992.
"We were out on the streets, three women, running away from the mob, which wanted to burn me alive. There were thousands of them, shouting 'Naraiye Takbir, Allah o Akbar'..."
Though the book records oral histories, it also is a good read for those who know little or nothing about the minorities and their festivals, such as Holi.
Babar Raza is a Hindu, who tried to revive his "Hindu roots" following General Zia-ul-Haq's Islamisation process of the late nineteen eighties.
"I thought to myself like the Muslims, we Hindus should also pay attention to our religion and practices. None of our elders knew anything about Hinduism at that time and that bothered me. I wanted to explore my roots and revive our religious traditions."
Khalid takes part in Holi, Navratri, Shivratri and Janmasthami celebrations in Pakistan detailing interesting insights into the whys and hows of the festivals.
