Video of Hindu Community Celebrating Jagannath Rath Yatra in Pakistan Goes Viral

New Delhi, India: Hundreds of Hindus gathered to celebrate the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Karachi, Pakistan, last month, with videos of the event rapidly gaining traction on social media. This procession showcased the cultural heritage of the Hindu community in a Muslim nation.

The Rath Yatra is a significant Hindu festival, particularly celebrated in India’s Odisha state, in honor of Lord Jagannath, who is revered as a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna. 

Traditionally, devotees pull the chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets, and this custom has found a unique expression among Pakistani Hindus.

An Instagram user named Vikash shared several clips from the celebration, capturing devotees singing bhajans and pulling a beautifully adorned chariot draped in flowers. Videos reveal the spirit of camaraderie among participants, with Pakistani flags fluttering alongside their religious symbols. Devotees were seen enjoying chilled bottles of water, emphasizing the community's warmth and hospitality.

Video of Hindu festival being celebrated in Pakistan goes viral

The event was organized in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province and Pakistan’s largest city. Despite the country's Muslim majority, the celebration highlights the existence and resilience of the Hindu community, which comprises approximately 2.17% of the population, primarily concentrated in Sindh, according to the 2023 Pakistani Census. Christians are the third-largest religious group in Pakistan at 1.37%.

The videos have garnered millions of views and thousands of comments, with many users expressing surprise and delight at witnessing Hindu celebrations in Pakistan. “Thanks for showing this side of Pakistan,” one Instagram user remarked. Another commented, “This is our Karachi. Respect,” while a user identifying as an Indian Muslim shared, “This made my heart happy.”