A performer in a giant gorilla costume joins students on the dancefloor at a university event in Lahore, Pakistan.

The trend has spread from social media to weddings, parties and campus celebrations across the country.

Shayen Zahoor, who runs a costume company, says the idea came from India and quickly gained attention after the team posted its first video online. Bookings followed within days.

Event organiser Ismail Ali says the performance was chosen to lift the mood, while students describe the character's arrival as a turning point in the party.

The performer says some people are frightened, but others quickly join in.