Pakistani influencer’s first diwali celebration in Karachi goes viral

Pakistani content creator Bilal Hasan shares his first-hand experience of celebrating Diwali in Karachi.
The video, which went viral, showcases the vibrant Diwali celebrations in Karachi, home to Pakistan's largest Hindu community.
Hasan also gave out Eidi-style 'lifafas' (envelopes) to friends, who surprised him with a variety of sweets.

Pakistani content creator Bilal Hasan posted a video on Instagram celebrating Diwali for the first time in Karachi, which quickly went viral. His heartwarming experience captivated viewers, racking up millions of views.

“Diwali in Pakistan. Maine kabhi zindagi mein Diwali nahi manayi until today [Diwali in Pakistan. I have never celebrated Diwali until today],” Hasan said.

“Sindh is home to Pakistan's largest Hindu community. Karachi, being the largest city, has some of the liveliest and most vibrant celebrations [of Diwali] in the country,” he said.

Hasan’s video captured him fully immersed in the festive spirit at the bustling Swami Narayan Temple, where locals gathered to celebrate Diwali. The temple buzzed with families and friends lighting firecrackers and sharing sweets, showcasing the vibrant Diwali celebrations.

“Ab ye saari baatein suni thi. Apni aankhon se kabhi dekha nahi tha. Tyohaar ki khushi mein maine apne dost Ehbab ko Eidi style lifafe taiyar kiye aur nikal pada Swami Narayan Mandir [I had always heard of these stories of people celebrating Diwali but never witnessed it from my own eyes. So, I and my friend Ehbab, prepared some Eidi-style envelopes, and headed to Swami Narayan Mandir].” Hasan said.

“This is Karachi's largest temple and centre of Hindu life in the metropolis. The place was packed,” he added.

“Maine labhi zindagi mein aisa manzar Karachi sheher mein nahi dekha. Har kone se har qism ke pathake nikal rahe the. Anar se leke paiti bum tak. And everything in between.“This truly was the festival of lights," Hasan shared. "I had never seen such a vibrant scene in Karachi before, with firecrackers on every street corner."

Hasan added a personal touch by embracing the Diwali tradition, giving out Eidi-style ‘lifafas’ (envelopes) to friends, who surprised him in return with a variety of mithais (sweets).