In Karachi alone, at least 1,000 people take part, says Maharaj Parshuram, a priest. Maharaj Parshuram, a priest in Karachi, says, "The tradition of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthihas been continuing here since pre-Independence." Indeed, as Pakistani film distributor Satish Anand points out, the festival is second only to Holi in popularity. It is observed wherever Hindus live in considerable numbers.