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Embassy of Pakistan Celebrated 70th Independence Day

A Cultural event of “Qawwali and Mango Festival” arranged in Pakistan’s Embassy Berlin

November 20th, 2017
Muhammad Usama Sadiq, News from Berlin
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The Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Berlin arranged a colorful cultural event to celebrate 70th Independence Day on 16th August 2017 at Steigenberger Hotel, Berlin.

This program highlighted some of the traditional rich culture of Pakistan by arranging a concert of 'Qawwali along with tasty Mango Festival.' The event was actively participated by more than 300 dignitaries from all walks of life including German Parliamentarians, Ambassadors, Defense Attaches, CEOs, senior dignitaries, Pakistani students and citizen’s, and German media individuals. German State Secretary, Walter J. Lindner, who has a great inspiration for Sufi music, was the chief guest of the occasion. He was also joined by Director General (Asia-Pacific), Ina Ruth Luise Lepel, and H.E.Amb of Germany to Pakistan and some senior officials from various German Ministries.

QAWWALI CONCERT AND MANGO FESTIVAL

Qawwali is said to be one of the world’s oldest oral traditions and celebrates love in all its diverse manifestations. Qawali performance was made by the Famous Pakistani Qawwal Asif Ali Santu Khan and Brothers, who made extraordinarily effort to deliver the message of philosophy, religion, culture, society and spiritualism. The program promoted strong cultural values among the diverse communities by bridging gap between different religions, political and cultural diversity. Although Amir Khusrau introduced Qawali in the 13th century, however, the Sufiana kalam of Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali khan was well appreciated by all communities even the people living in America and Europe. Moreover the Sufi message of love and peace – sung by Santu Khan and Brothers attracted the hearts of spectators and created a situation of wajid among them. Later while Chatting with media, German State Secretary, Lindner highly appreciated the Qawwali performance and conveyed his great love for Pakistani music. He also said that he was a great fan of famous Pakistani Sufi Qawaal Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The Mango festival provided opportunity for the audience to enjoy the tasty mangoes of Pakistan, H.E. Amb Jauhar Saleem introduced some different varieties of Pakistani mangoes. Mangoes of Pakistan are considered to be best in the world because of its variety and taste. Therefore the participants were provided with a variety of mango dishes including drinks, mango curries and mango based baked goods.

In addition H.E. Amb Jauhar Saleem paid a rich tribute to Dr. Ruth Pfau, who was also known as ‘Pakistan’s Mother Theresa’ a symbol of selflessness and devotion, who devoted her 50 years of life to fight leprosy in Pakistan and passed away at the age of 87.  Consequently based on her noble cause for leprosy a state funeral was given with full national honour in Karachi.

This cultural performance provided an opportunity for the German people to learn about Pakistani culture and tradition by building social cohesion and inclusion for developing the ties of cultural diplomacy in Germany.

Reference

News from Berlin