Pakistani influencer celebrates Diwali for the first time, hands out envelopes of money on festival of lights
In Karachi, Pakistan, people celebrated Diwali with joy, highlighted by a viral video showcasing festivities.
The Hindu festival of Diwali, known as the festival of lights, was celebrated with immense enthusiasm by millions around the world this year.

(Also read: Pakistani influencer shows Karachi's vibrant Navratri celebration: 'Festivals should know no boundaries')
A video shared on Instagram by Pakistani content creator Bilal Hassan is currently making waves online, showcasing the lively Diwali celebrations in Karachi. In his video, Hassan claims this is his first Diwali experience and he decided to visit the Swami Narayan Temple, which was bustling with people celebrating the festival. The footage reveals a packed temple where families and friends burst firecrackers, creating a jubilant atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement.
Hassan also shared a heartwarming tradition from the festival, presenting 'lifafas' (envelopes) of money to his friends, who returned the gesture with delicious mithai (sweets).
Watch the clip here:
Viral video sparks online reactions
The clip has since garnered over 2.1 million views, prompting a flurry of reactions across social media. One user expressed, “This is so beautiful! It’s heartwarming to see different cultures coming together in celebration.” Another commented, “I love how Diwali is celebrated everywhere, it truly brings people together.” Yet another user noted, “Seeing Karachi celebrate Diwali like this is just amazing. More love and unity!”
Additionally, a viewer stated, “It’s great to see such vibrant celebrations. Festivals should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of their background.” Another comment read, “This video made my day! Such a beautiful representation of our shared humanity.” Finally, one user remarked, “Thank you, Bilal, for sharing this! It’s inspiring to see the joy of Diwali in Pakistan.”
Earlier this year, another video capturing Navratri festivities in Karachi also captured social media's attention. Influencer Dheeraj Mandhan showcased a local street adorned with bright lights, featuring a grand image of Goddess Durga, along with women and children joyfully playing dandiya and garba.
Take a look here at the clip:
Global celebrations around the world
Diwali's grandeur wasn’t limited to Karachi alone. The iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai also lit up on October 31, presenting a stunning visual display to honour the festival. The skyscraper, a symbol of modernity, showcased beautiful patterns alongside a warm message wishing everyone joy, health, and prosperity during this auspicious occasion.
(Also read: ‘This isn’t a joke’: Pakistani students pull risky stunt with classmates. Internet is furious)
Check out the video here:
As millions around the world come together to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights shines brighter than ever, illuminating hearts and fostering unity across cultures.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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