LAHORE: Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, graced the vibrant ‘Punjab Dehaar’ celebration, organised by the Information and Culture Department. Welcomed with a traditional flair, her entrance to Alhamra Arts Council marked the commencement of a historic three-day fiesta celebrating Punjab’s rich culture for the very first time.
As the rhythms of drums filled the air and colourful horses pranced alongside enthusiastic camel dancers, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Maryam also took the opportunity to inaugurate an art exhibition at the Ustad Allah Bakhsh Gallery showcasing stunning vistas. The art displayed, particularly the works of Zulfiqar Zulfi, captured the essence of Lahore’s cultural heritage, earning her praise for the impressive artistry.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister made a strong statement about cultural identity: “Punjab and Punjabi are our identity, we cannot forget it.” She expressed her love for the Punjabi language, asserting its uniqueness, saying, “All languages and music are good, but Punjabi language has no match.” She added that nothing can quite compare to Punjab’s iconic Bhangra dance.
Maryam also reflected on the resurgence of cultural festivities, celebrating the return of events like the Horse and Cattle Show and Mela Chiraghan after many years. Under the stewardship of leaders like Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, she noted significant strides had been made in revitalizing the cultural scene.
Azma Zahid Bukhari, joining the celebrations, highlighted that this grand scale of celebrating Punjab Dehaar was unprecedented in the 75-year history of the province. She noted the cultural diversity of Punjab was so expansive that simply words and stalls could never do it justice. To that end, traditional stalls representing each division have been thoughtfully arranged for all to see.
Meanwhile, on another note, preparations for an upcoming mega event are underway in Karachi, with teams already arriving after a series of significant meetings. There have also been notable political shifts, as PTI’s Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti and PPP’s Syed Ali Haider Gilani have officially joined a committee. This marks Aurangzeb’s second budget speech since he took office, bringing further anticipation to the political landscape.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif attended the inaugural day of the inaugural ‘Punjab Dehaar’ celebration at Alhamra Arts Council, highlighting the significance of Punjabi culture. The event featured vibrant performances, a traditional art exhibition, and remarks on the resurgence of long-lost cultural festivities. Meanwhile, political changes hint at an eventful time ahead for Punjab.
The ‘Punjab Dehaar’ event not only marked a vibrant cultural celebration but also symbolised a renewed commitment to cultural identity in Punjab. With the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at the helm, the revival of traditional festivities signifies a hopeful turning point for the region’s artistic and cultural expressions. Other events are also brewing in the background, hinting at a busy period ahead for both culture and politics in the province.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
