The
first ever mega Pakistan Festival held to celebrate 70 years of Pakistan’s
independence concluded in suburbs of Paris today after a splendid display of
Pakistan’s culture, handicrafts, fashion, music and cuisine, says a press
release received from Paris here today.
The
Festival was jointly inaugurated by the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin
ul Haque, member of French parliament Mr. Francois Pupponi and Mayor of
Sarcelles town Mr. Nicolas Maccioni. Thousands of people from various walks of
life including local French officials, diplomats, members of French Civil
Society, media persons and expatriate Pakistanis attended the festival.
While
addressing the inaugural ceremony which commenced with the playing of Pakistani
and French national anthems, the Ambassador congratulated the Pakistani
community on completing the 70 years of independence.
He
said that this festival had multiple objectives from celebrating the 70th
anniversary of Pakistan's independence, showcasing the richness of Pakistani
cultural diversity and the beauty of its magnificent landscapes introducing
Pakistani cuisine and music, to bringing together the Pakistani community on a
single platform for a common cause.
Member
of French parliament, Mr. Francoise Pupponi and Mayor of Sarcelles town Mr.
Nicolas Maccioni who also spoke on the occasion termed the Pakistan community
as hardworking, peaceful and friendly and said that this festival had not only
provide the French public a rare chance to experience a mini Pakistan in France
but would also improve the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The
Ambassador also presented commemoratory shields to the French guests in
recognition of their services for the welfare and wellbeing of Pakistan
community.
Earlier,
the festival commenced with great fan and fare by singing of the patriotic
songs and brilliant show of tableaus by the young school students followed by
speeches to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and leaders of Independence movement.
The speakers also underscored the rich history, archaeological treasures,
touristic opportunities, handicrafts and diverse cultural and social traditions
of Pakistan.
Culture
and Fashion show organized by the Pakistan community stole the limelight by
spectacle performance of folkdances and magnificent display of Pakistani
dresses depicting past and contemporary styles of various regions of Pakistan.
The
pavilion names after various regions of Pakistan attracted the visitors wherein
Pakistani authentic food offering variety of dishes and snacks provided the
visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy the rich and spicy food of Pakistan.
The
magic show, raffle draw, mehndi tattooing, photographic exhibition, children
games and kite flying competition were also the highlights of the Festival.
Mr.
Jawad Ahmad, the world-renowned Pakistani singer who had specially flown from
Pakistan for the festival enlightened the evening with heartwarming patriotic
songs, sufi music and his famous numbers.
The
festival concluded with the pledge to make this Festival an annual feature in
France.