“Narayan Pura has been here since before Pakistan was created. Sikhs, Hindus and Christians live here together. The government gives us security for our festivals, and we never have any issues”, said Prabhat Kumar, a long-time resident.

Narayan Pura, a historic neighborhood in the Ranchor Lines district of Karachi, represents the city's diversity. It was established in 1924 by Hindu philanthropist Narayan Das Bechal Acharya to house workers of the Karachi Municipal Corporation (now the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation)

. For generations, Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs have lived here and often celebrate each other's festivals. The area has six temples, three churches, and a gurdwara, all serving as spaces for prayer, cultural exchange, and unity.

The compound is a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and lives together regardless of religion. One wall contains a mural with the Om symbol, the word Allah, and the Christian cross painted side by side. This simple mural represents the residents' belief in peaceful coexistence.

Entrance to Narayan Pura Minorities Compound, marked by a large sign welcoming visitors into the historic neighborhood.

"I have been doing this for the last eight or nine years", said Anil Kumar, born and raised in Narayan Pura. "Whether it is a wedding, religious event, or regular day, I cook the food. People from all communities place orders."

Known as the go-to chef, Anil prepares meals for community events. "Beef is never cooked here. We usually make vegetarian dishes, chicken, and mutton. Orders increase during Navratri and Muharram", he added. His kitchen also serves as a small store and a community catering center, where niyaz—religious offerings—and other ritual meals are prepared regularly.

Community cook Anil Kumar prepares food for a neighborhood gathering in Narayan Pura.

Another key figure is 70-year-old Pandit Vishram Pinchanal, a faith healer often approached for blessings, healing, and religious rituals. His practice room is filled with incense, hand-written amulets, and holy items, visited by people who believe they are affected by spirits or mental distress.

"Some people come asking for prayers to remove spirits", said Pandit Vishram. "But most of them have psychological issues. It is better to see a psychiatrist first and then a healer.", Besides his healing work, he leads important ceremonies like weddings and funerals and is respected across all communities, including Muslims and Christians.

Local healer Vishram Pichanal receives three community members seeking spiritual guidance.

Inside the gurdwara, Satnaam Singh waves a chaur sahib over the Guru Granth Sahib.

Satnaam Singh, a Sikh whose family moved here during the 1947 Partition, was seen waving a chaur sahib over the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. "We fan the Guru to show respect. If an insect lands, we wave it away gently so nothing touches the scripture", he explained.

Boys play cricket in a narrow lane of Narayan Pura.

An evening scene in Narayan Pura, as people unwind on rooftops and doorsteps.

Children crowd gathers around a snack stall.

Hindu devotee rings the bell to signal the commencement of evening prayer.

At night, Narayan Pura fills with the sound of bells, chants, and hymns. Hindus gather for pooja in homes and temples, while Sikhs visit the gurdwara for prayer.

Hindu worshipper Ramesh rings the bell to signal the commencement of evening prayer.

Toolsi, a 55-year-old physically disabled widow, runs a small snack shop with Shamita in Narayan Pura. The compound elders helped her start the shop six months ago to support herself.

Religious spaces here also serve as cultural schools. Local temples hold evening music classes where boys learn to sing bhajans—devotional songs for Hindu deities. “These songs are part of our identity”, said Toolsi, a resident. “Our community was once only known for cleaning work. People thought we were uneducated or superstitious. Now, we preserve our culture by teaching these songs to the next generation.”

Prabhat, a young resident of Narayan Pura, plays the dhol during evening bhajan practice at Shri Naval Mandir.

Kids from different faiths play futsal together in a Narayan Pura street.

Narayan Pura streets in the dark of night, with scarce streetlights lighting up.

A church corner featuring a statue of Mother Mary, softly lit for evening devotion.

Mounds of uncollected garbage line the entrance of Narayan Pura—an irony, since many residents work in Karachi’s sanitation services. This has led some to call it “Bhangi Para”, a name tied to caste and occupation. Despite helping to keep the city clean, their own area lacks proper sanitation.

A quiet temple lane, with garbage lining the street corners.

But even with these issues, Narayan Pura remains peaceful. Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians continue to live side by side, following their traditions and showing respect for each other in daily life.