Pakistani content creator celebrates Diwali for the first time
Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with boundless joy by millions across the globe. Bilal Hasan, a Pakistani content creator, posted a video showing him celebrating Diwali for the first time, and it has won over many hearts on social media. The video, which has received millions of views on Instagram, follows Hasan as he celebrates the festival in Karachi.
In his voiceover, Hasan says, “Diwali in Pakistan. Maine kabhi zindagi mein Diwali nahi manayi until today” (I have never celebrated Diwali in my life.)” With genuine curiosity and excitement, he visits the Swami Narayan Temple, Karachi’s largest, where Diwali festivities were in full swing.
The video captures the temple grounds packed with families and friends celebrating together, setting off an array of fireworks. The scene is alive with laughter and joy, and Hasan marvels at the sight, saying, “Maine kabhi zindagi mein aisa manzar Karachi sheher mein nahi dekha (I have never seen such a sight in Karachi in my life.)” From sparklers to larger fireworks, every corner was illuminated. As Hasan says in the video, it truly was “the festival of lights.”
Adding a personal twist to Diwali, Hasan decided to gift his friends lifafas (envelopes), a nod to the traditional Eidi gesture. In return, his friends surprised him with a delightful array of mithais (sweets).
Wrapping up his video, Hasan shared a heartfelt thought: “Over the years, I’ve realised one thing – agar pyaar doge toh pyaar milega bhi (if you give love, you’ll receive it too). Logon ki khushiyon mein shamil hoge toh khush rahoge (if you join in others’ happiness, you, too, will be happy.)”
Watch the viral video:
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The video has received more than 2.2 million views, sparking a wave of responses on social media. One user wrote, “Happy diwali. Maine yaha India m bhi suna tha ki karachi ki bahein lambi hai..sabko saath samet leti hai.” Another individual said, “Not sure why this made ME so emotional love from the greens to the whites in our flag.”
A third user commented, “Bro, your Diwali reel didn’t just light up the screen, it shone a spotlight on unity and joy within Karachi’s diversity. Hats off for capturing the true spirit of our city’s harmony!”
Earlier this year, influencer Dheeraj Mandhan shared a video of Navratri celebrations in Karachi.
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He highlighted a lively street decked out in vibrant lights, with a grand display of goddess Durga, as women and children cheerfully engaged in dandiya and garba dancing.