How Diwali is celebrated across Pakistan, according to residents

Diwali celebrations in Pakistan present a markedly different picture from the elaborate festivities witnessed across India, according to accounts from people who have lived in the country. While the festival holds religious significance for Hindu and Sikh minorities in Pakistan, the scale and public nature of celebrations remain considerably more subdued compared to India's widespread observances.

In Pakistani cities with substantial Hindu populations, including Karachi, Lahore, and Hyderabad, families observe Diwali within their homes and communities. Decorations are typically confined to private spaces rather than adorning streets and public areas as commonly seen in Indian cities. Oil lamps and lighting arrangements follow traditional customs, though the festive illumination remains largely restricted to individual households and temples.

According to former residents, Pakistani communities celebrate the festival with prayers, family gatherings, and the preparation of traditional sweets and delicacies. However, public participation and commercial involvement in Diwali celebrations remain minimal due to the country's religious demographics, with Muslims constituting the overwhelming majority of the population.

Security considerations and cultural sensitivities have also influenced how openly Diwali is celebrated in Pakistan in recent years. Despite these constraints, members of the Hindu and Sikh communities continue to maintain their religious traditions and cultural heritage during the festival season, adapting celebrations to local contexts while preserving the spiritual essence of Diwali.