Prominent Pakistani celebrities, including Sarwat Gilani, Fahad Mirza, Sonya Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza, Tara Mahmood, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui, and Maheen Siddiqui, marked Diwali this year with joy and enthusiasm, sharing glimpses of their celebrations on social media. Their posts, featuring vibrant images and heartfelt messages, resonated widely as they celebrated the festival of lights within Pakistan.
The gathering, hosted by acclaimed Pakistani fashion designer Deepak Perwani, became a social media sensation, with videos and photos shared by several attendees. Actress Sonya Hussain took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the festivities on Saturday, including a personal note emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating Pakistan’s religious minorities.
Celebration Highlights
The Diwali gathering featured traditional festivities, with attendees lighting lamps, setting off firecrackers, dancing, and sharing well-wishes for the occasion. Sonya Hussain, dressed in a red saree with a bindi on her forehead, posted a video showcasing the party’s colorful atmosphere, complete with delicacies, drinks, and desserts. She was joined by Sarwat Gilani, who wore a black and white saree with a red blouse, and Sanam Saeed, in a green saree paired with a pink blouse. Many male celebrities, including Sheheryar Munawar, who donned a green kurta, also embraced the occasion by wearing traditional attire and tika marks on their foreheads.
Sonya Hussain’s Message of Inclusivity
In her post, Sonya Hussain underscored the importance of inclusivity in Pakistan, drawing on a famous quote by Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “Pakistan is a beautiful mosaic of cultures and beliefs, and we must celebrate our minorities as vital parts of this nation,” she wrote. Citing Jinnah’s words, she continued, “As Muhammad Ali Jinnah said, ‘You are free…to go to your temples…to belong to any religion, caste, or creed.’ This quote reminds us that every community enriches our society.” Sonya’s post carried hashtags such as #SonyaHussyn, #HappyDiwali, and #Minorities.
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Sarwat Gilani’s Call for an Inclusive Pakistan
Sarwat Gilani shared a close-up selfie on Instagram, sporting a bindi, with the caption, “Let’s celebrate the white in our flag, celebrate an inclusive Pakistan. Happy Diwali to our Pakistani brothers and sisters who live and love Pakistan.” Her post, featuring the hashtag #inclusivepakistan, highlighted her support for cultural diversity and religious freedom.
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Understanding Diwali
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Celebrations typically include fireworks and the lighting of oil lamps, embodying the triumph of positivity and unity across cultures.