Punjab cultural festival concludes: Azma says govt committed to promotion, preservation of Punjab’s artistic legacy

LAHORE:The vibrant celebrations of ‘Punjab Culture Day’ came to a colourful and lively close, marking the end of a three-day cultural festival organised by the Punjab Information and Culture Department.

The final day at Alhamra Arts Centre was a glowing tribute to the rich spirit, traditions, and heritage of Punjab.Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari presided over the closing ceremony.She praised performers, artisans, and cultural custodians whose work animated the grand finale. Also in attendance were the Executive Director of Lahore Arts Council Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, Executive Director of Punjab Arts Council, Tanveer Majid, and Director General Population Welfare Saman Rai.

In her address, Azma Bokhari emphasised that under the forward-looking leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab is not merely preserving its culture, it is elevating it. ‘Safeguarding our values is a sacred obligation,’ she said. The public’s trust is our strength.’ The minister added that Punjab is a land of priceless cultural wealth.’

This festival aimed to illuminate our language, literature, arts, customs, and collective memory,’ she noted, affirming that the government remains firmly committed to the promotion and preservation of Punjab’s artistic legacy by the visionary roadmap laid out by CM Maryam Nawaz. Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi said that Punjab Culture Day was not just another festival for us, it was a solemn responsibility.

The closing day festivities were a stirring culmination of three days of immersive celebration.Folk-inspired stalls showcased the mosaic of Punjab’s rural and urban cultures, captivating visitors with their authenticity and detail. A special musical performance by celebrated singer Nadeem Abbas Lohnewala electrified the venue, drawing youth to the dancefloor in spontaneous expressions of joy and belonging. A soulful Punjabi Mushaira added poetic gravitas to the day.