ISLAMABAD – Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad remained in news for being among the top-ranked Institutions in the country, however, this time the higher education institution remained in bad light over a Holi event.
University students smear vibrant colors, and danced their hearts out to Bollywood songs to celebrate Holi – a significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours.
Videos doing rounds on the internet show fervent celebrations in the varsity as students grooved to Indian songs, smearing colours on each other. Some were spotted shaking legs in groups while others sprinkled colored water on each other while celebrating the event.
Gen-Z Pakistanis celebrate Hindu festival of Holi at the Qaid-e-Azam University located in the heart of "Riyasat-e-Madina". pic.twitter.com/Lb7NGXX83D
— Zahack Tanvir – ضحاك تنوير (@zahacktanvir) June 14, 2023
As the clips went viral, several social media users took to microblogging platforms and condemned the wild celebration as some linked it with Hindu religion while others called it cultural disorientation.
People also raised questions about how QAU administration and VC allowed such celebration, that according to them opposed the cultural and social norms.
Amid the opposition, some even praised the event and called it diverse moment where minorities can have their moments too.
Here’s how people reacted:
People saying that there is no harmm celebrating other's religious festivals. NO IT IS NOT OKAY if that festival has religious history. Holi is celebrated for the love btw 2 hindu gods. So by celebrating holi you are equally endorsing their belief. https://t.co/TZRdt4KC4V
— 𝐙𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@ItsMeeZeee) June 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/KannadaGotilla/status/1669236122986352641
Are these Holi celebrations or under the wraps Pride month celebrations?
This trend of patronisation of un islamic traditions en masse in Gov institutes need to be discouraged. This is first step of cultural dominance.
Minorities are free to celebrate it on their own. https://t.co/37mHJPkZVL
— Muhammad Ali (@Thecolistin) June 14, 2023
The sons and daughters of the ummah were meant to carry the Islamic message to the entire world. Instead they are wasting their lives dancing, playing Holi, etc.
This is the power of Hollywood and Netflix… https://t.co/mWzFy2R6Ss
— Muhammad Owais (@Muhammad_Owaiis) June 14, 2023
I fail to understand this too. How can a muslim university inside a muslim country celebrate holi with such extravagance?
I'm in for religious tolerance and inclusion but this, being overboard, shows a serious disorientation of religious compass.
— Haroon (@cyber_scrutiny) June 14, 2023
Holi-themed birthday party of Shaan Shahid’s niece Natalia invites social media trolling
