Television host Nida Yasir celebrated Eid Milad un Nabi on her morning show, “Good Morning Pakistan,” by organizing a special Mehfil e Milad. The segment featured guests like Hina Bayat and Naat Khawan Hooria Faheem, who recited Naats to pay tribute to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on his birthday. The set was specially decorated for the occasion, creating a festive and reverent atmosphere for the program.
However, the focus quickly shifted from the religious purpose of the event to the attire of the host and her guests. Nida Yasir and her attendees were clad in heavily embroidered outfits, known as joras, complemented by heavy makeup, elaborate jewellery, and traditional floral gajras. Their lavish appearance was noted for being more akin to a wedding celebration than a religious gathering.
Following the broadcast, videos from the Mehfil went viral on social media, sparking widespread commentary. Many users expressed criticism, questioning the need for such opulence. One user remarked, “Nida looks like a Walima bride,” while another asked, “Are they all attending a wedding?” A common sentiment was that the tribute could have been conducted with greater simplicity and modesty to better reflect the solemnity of the occasion.
The incident highlights the ongoing public debate in Pakistan regarding the intersection of religious expression, television entertainment, and cultural aesthetics. The mixed reactions to the show illustrate a divide between those who see such celebrations as a joyful expression of faith and others who believe religious events should be observed with austerity and humility.
