KARACHI: The Sindh government has declared a optional public holiday in the province on October 20 on the occasion of Diwali, keeping in mind the festival of the minority community.
The provincial government has also issued a notification in this regard.
According to the issued notification, a public holiday has been declared for the Hindu community on the occasion of “Diwali”. Whereas all non-Hindu employees have been directed to come to work as normal.
All government offices in Sindh will remain closed on Monday, October 20.
Diwali carries cultural importance for the Hindu community and is celebrated by lighting diyas (oil lamps), candles, and decorating homes with vibrant colours.
Gifts are exchanged and special meals are also prepared to celebrate the occasion.
In Pakistan, Diwali is marked with great enthusiasm, especially in Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Karachi, where large Hindu communities live.