In a vibrant celebration of heritage and tradition, the Punjab Arts Council (PAC) hosted a series of lively and culturally rich events to mark Punjab Culture Day in Rawalpindi. The occasion was graced by Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Culture Department, Shazia Rizwan, as the chief guest, alongside key figures of the Arts Council including Director Sajjad Hussain, Deputy Director Muhammad Shakoor, Assistant Directors Muhammad Suleman, Sarfaraz Khan, and Waqar Ali.
From the moment of arrival, the atmosphere was steeped in tradition. Shazia Rizwan was welcomed with a traditional Chunri, a symbolic cloth representing the vibrant spirit of Punjab, while council officials donned the classic Punjabi Pagri (turban)—a proud marker of Punjabi identity.
Reviving Cultural Roots Through Festivity
In her speech, Shazia Rizwan emphasized the importance of such events in preserving and promoting Punjab’s deep-rooted cultural legacy. “Punjab Culture Day isn’t just a day of celebration, it’s a bridge that connects our younger generations with their rich cultural roots,” she shared passionately. According to her, the Punjab Government remains fully committed to celebrating this cultural extravaganza with zeal and dedication, aiming to safeguard traditional arts, customs, and folklore.
She further appreciated the public’s enthusiastic participation, which reflected a profound sense of pride and consciousness toward local heritage. Events like these, she said, offer a unique platform to showcase the colours, fragrance, music, and wisdom that define Punjabi culture.
A Cultural Tapestry of Music, Art, and Dance
The Punjab Arts Council meticulously curated a lineup of activities that truly embodied the cultural essence of the region. These included:
- Folk music performances featuring traditional instruments and soulful melodies
- Painting competitions capturing the colourful landscapes and village life of Punjab
- Musical events with live singing that echoed through the grounds
- Regional dances that brought ancient rhythms and festive energy to life
The entire venue was awash with colour, laughter, and rhythm—truly encapsulating the spirit of Punjab.
Director Sajjad Hussain remarked, “Punjab Culture Day is a reflection of our civilizational identity. It embodies traditional values, the richness of fine arts, and the pride we carry in being part of this incredible cultural journey.”
Keeping Traditions Alive
In a world rapidly moving towards modernity, events like Punjab Culture Day play a crucial role in preserving intangible cultural assets—stories passed down through generations, folklore, attire, rituals, and art forms that define our identity. The Punjab Arts Council continues to take significant steps in this direction by engaging communities, especially the youth, to celebrate their roots with pride and joy.
Such celebrations aren’t just about the past—they’re about shaping a future where tradition and modernity coexist beautifully. And judging by the overwhelming participation and joy witnessed at the event, the spirit of Punjab is alive and thriving.