E-Paper
Get set for exchange Mahotsavas?
HOW ABOUT hosting Lucknow Mahotsav in Lahore and then bringing Lahore Mahotsav to Lucknow? Subject to clearance from Indian and Pakistani governments, Lucknow Mahotsav might be hosted at Lahore?s Gaddafi Stadium between January-February 2007.
HOW ABOUT hosting Lucknow Mahotsav in Lahore and then bringing Lahore Mahotsav to Lucknow? Subject to clearance from Indian and Pakistani governments, Lucknow Mahotsav might be hosted at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium between January-February 2007.
Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD, UP Chapter) has approached the Pakistani government in this regard through its Lahore chapter. The proposal reportedly is under the consideration of Pakistan’s top leadership.
It is learnt that former Pak minister Mubashir Hussain is taking a keen interest in this regard. And if the move materialises, there is a proposal to bring Lahore Mahotsav to Lucknow too. This would apparently pave the way for the people of both the nations to travel to and fro and spread the message of peace.
Irfan Ahmad, secretary of UP chapter of PIPFPD told HT, “It was in June this year when a Pak business delegation visited the state under the aegis of UP Export Corporation that this idea originated. The delegation was impressed with the concept and asked us to go ahead with it.”
Ahmad said, “The objective behind this exercise is to build stronger ties between the two countries through people to people contact, holding exhibitions showcasing the arts, craft, culture and cuisine of Lucknow. The proposed fest also aims at promoting direct trade and business relations among the two countries.”
The PIPFPD wants to host a 15-day-long commercial fair that would have about 200 stalls showcasing Lakhnawi goods, like Chikan products, garments embellished with zardozi work, perfumes (itras), betel leaves, which are in hot demand in Pakistan and city’s indigenous cold drinks (sherbets).
Why at Lahore? Explains Farid Abbasi, the treasurer of UP chapter’s forum: “Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and offers a wide range of cultural activities.
People there are fond of Lakhnawi culture and cuisines. Hence it was decided to host the function at Lahore.”
Magasasay Awardee Sandeep Pandey, founding member of PIPFPD (Central Committee) had made a presentation of this unique proposal at Lahore during his visit to Pakistan on September. The presentation was well received by the dignitaries there.
Says Pandey: “Former Pak minister Mubashir Hussain and Idris Tabassum, key member of Lahore traders’ association were extremely impressed by our presentation as they believe that it would help in strengthening ties between two nations.”
