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 here today from Paris.
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.
