Faiz Festival kicks off

LAHORE:The much-anticipated Faiz Festival commenced at the Alhamra Arts Council on Friday, drawing a large audience of literature and art enthusiasts.

The opening ceremony featured prominent personalities, including Prof Salima Hashmi, Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed, Executive Director Syed Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, Nandita Das, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Atul Tiwari, and several others.

The event was hosted by Amna Ali. Renowned artiste Adeel Hashmi inaugurated the festival with a poignant recitation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry, setting the tone for the literary and cultural celebrations.

Moneeza Hashmi was also present on the occasion, adding to the festival’s significance.Faiz Ghar Chairperson Salima Hashmi extended a warm welcome to the guests and expressed her gratitude to the audience for their enthusiastic participation. She emphasised the importance of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry in contemporary times.

Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed highlighted that Faiz’s poetry has become a tradition and a source of inspiration, reflecting both the poet’s personality and the era he lived in.Executive Director Tauqeer Haider echoed similar sentiments, stating that the immense public interest in the festival reaffirms the deep emotional connection people have with Faiz’s work.

The festival will continue for three days.Various programmes, including literary discussions, artistic exhibitions, and cultural performances, will take place across different venues such as halls, galleries, lawns, and open spaces.

Atul Tiwari, expressing his admiration for Lahore, described it as one of the subcontinent’s most beautiful cities and conveyed heartfelt greetings from Lucknow to its residents. Celebrated Indian actress and filmmaker Nandita Das shared her excitement about attending the festival, calling it a wonderful opportunity to connect with new friends.