'This is not India, this is Pakistan': Viral Navratri Garba video from Karachi wins hearts online

A popular video of a colourful Navratri Garba celebration inside the historic Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi, Pakistan, has gone viral on social media. This video, uploaded on Instagram by user @munji_galhiyun, features Pakistani Hindus praying, distributing prasad, and performing Garba on Day 1 of Navratri.

Navratri Day 1 celebration of devotees at Karachi Temple

The video begins with the creator saying, "This is not India; this is Pakistan Navratri." Inside the decorated temple, devotees' families offer prayers in front of the idol of Mata Rani, wearing traditional headbands with the slogan "Jai Mata Di."

Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, located near Clifton Beach in Karachi, is the cultural centre of the local Hindu population and organises yearly celebrations in the temple during the entire span of nine days of Navratri.

Social media responses to the video: Messages of friendship across countries

The video caused a flurry of good responses from the viewers who are based in both India and Pakistan and celebrated the harmony between the two countries in their cultural heritage:

Goodwill messages: Indian social media users sent out greetings that said, "God bless you all and lots of love and prayers from India," and "Want to join you all in Navratri for sure."

Surprise and shock: Some of the viewers were surprised by the large number of people who had gathered there, which is evident from their comments, "Sach hai ye kya, I don't believe" and "Mera to ye dekh ke din ban gaya."

Messages of hope: Several messages conveyed a message of hope for cultural harmony, that one day the citizens of both the countries will be able to celebrate together.

This viral post still attracts thousands of likes and views as it provides a glimpse of the festival celebrations in the other nation.