The Sindh government has announced a holiday for the Hindu community on Monday, November 9, 2026, to mark Diwali, one of the most important religious festivals celebrated by Hindus.

The announcement was made during a provincial cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The decision aims to allow members of the Hindu community across Sindh to observe the religious occasion and participate in its traditional celebrations with their families.

The festival, widely known as the Festival of Lights, holds deep religious and cultural significance for Hindus. It is traditionally celebrated by illuminating homes, temples and streets, offering prayers and spending time with family members.

The announcement also reflects the provincial government’s stated commitment to recognising the religious traditions and cultural rights of minority communities living in Sindh.

Sindh Announces Diwali Holiday on November 9

According to the announcement reported on November 3, the Sindh government has designated Monday, November 9, as a holiday for the Hindu community.

The decision was announced during a provincial cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, where Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presided over discussions.

The holiday will provide Hindu employees and community members an opportunity to observe Diwali and participate in religious and family celebrations.

The 2026 holiday schedule published by the Sindh High Court also lists Diwali as an optional holiday on Monday, November 9. <Cite refs={[“turn371432search26″,”turn371432search1”]}/>

The announcement is specifically for the Hindu community and should not be confused with a general holiday for all residents of Sindh.

Sindh Cabinet Reviews 17-Point Agenda

The Diwali holiday announcement came as the provincial cabinet reviewed a 17-point agenda covering matters relating to the administration and governance of Sindh.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired the meeting at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, where provincial ministers and relevant officials discussed the items placed before the cabinet.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the provincial government to consider various administrative and policy matters.

The Diwali holiday was among the announcements made during the meeting, highlighting the government’s recognition of the religious traditions observed by minority communities in the province.

Further details about the remaining cabinet decisions were not included in the initial announcement.

Diwali 2026: When Will the Festival Be Celebrated?

Diwali in 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, according to the Hindu festival calendar for Pakistan.

The Sindh government’s announced holiday is scheduled for the following day, Monday, November 9. <Cite refs={[“turn371432search5″,”turn371432search26”]}/>

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is commonly called the Festival of Lights. The celebration symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil in Hindu traditions.

The festival is observed through religious prayers, decorations, family gatherings and the lighting of traditional lamps.

Many Hindu families decorate their homes with oil lamps, candles and colourful designs, while temples and community spaces are illuminated for the occasion.

People also exchange sweets, gifts and greetings as part of the celebrations.

Although the festival is observed in different ways across communities, its central themes include hope, prosperity, renewal and the victory of good over evil.

Hindu Community Celebrates Diwali Across Sindh

Sindh is home to a significant Hindu population, with communities celebrating religious and cultural festivals in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas and other districts.

Diwali is among the most significant occasions on the Hindu religious calendar, bringing families and communities together for prayers and traditional celebrations.

In different parts of the province, people decorate their homes, illuminate temples and organise family gatherings.

For many families, the occasion also provides an opportunity to visit relatives, exchange gifts and participate in community activities.

The holiday announcement is intended to give Hindu community members time to observe these traditions without the usual pressure of work and other official responsibilities.

Government Reaffirms Recognition of Minority Religious Traditions

The announcement is another example of Sindh’s practice of recognising religious occasions observed by minority communities through dedicated holidays.

The provincial government has previously declared holidays for the Hindu community on occasions such as Holi and Diwali.

For example, the Sindh government officially announced a holiday exclusively for the Hindu community on October 20, 2025, to mark Diwali. <Cite refs={[“turn371432search1″,”turn371432search2”]}/>

Such arrangements allow members of minority communities to observe important religious occasions and participate in traditional celebrations.

Recognising religious festivals also provides an opportunity to promote mutual respect and understanding among people belonging to different faiths.

Sindh’s latest announcement is intended to ensure that Hindu residents can celebrate Diwali while observing their religious and cultural traditions.

What Residents Should Know About the Diwali Holiday

The key details of the announcement are:

Hindu employees and community members should follow the relevant departmental instructions regarding the holiday.

The announcement is intended for the Hindu community rather than declaring an additional province-wide holiday for everyone.

A Celebration of Faith, Light and Cultural Traditions

Diwali remains an important religious and cultural occasion for Hindus in Pakistan and around the world.

The festival brings families together through prayers, traditional decorations, illuminated homes and community celebrations.

The Sindh government’s decision to announce a dedicated holiday on November 9 will allow members of the Hindu community to observe the occasion and participate in its traditions.

As preparations begin for Diwali 2026, the announcement highlights the importance of recognising religious diversity and ensuring that minority communities have opportunities to celebrate their significant occasions.

Also read: PM Sharif Extends Greetings As Hindus Celebrate Diwali Across Pakistan