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A Celebration of Culture

The San Ramon Performing Arts Center came alive with Pakistani traditions Saturday in nonprofit organization Mashal’s third annual cultural show, Virsa.

In Pakistan, virsa means heritage.

More than 600 people gathered to celebrate that heritage at the third annual Pakistani cultural festival Saturday night.

The evening started out with traditional Pakistani food in the Dougherty Valley High School cafeteria.

The rest of the evening was devoted to 150 performers expressing themselves and their traditions.

 Musicians played traditional flute music and modern Pakistani songs and versions of the American and Pakistan national anthems.

Children re-created dances from classic Pakistani films and adults and children alike performed Bhangra folk dances.

Native-language poetry was read and thespians did dramatic and comedic acts.

There were even adult and children’s fashion shows.

Guests included Mayor H. Abram Wilson, Councilman Dave Hudson and Riffat Masood, consul general of Pakistan who came from Los Angeles to take part in the festivities.

Faraz Sattar April 11, 2011 at 05:08 am
The event was amazing. It showcased the Pakistani culture through dances, music, fashion, comedy, wedding scene and a lot more. All the performers were local bay area residents.
Amjad Masood April 11, 2011 at 01:49 pm
Very well organized event. Brought back the memories of the land I left 28 years ago to make U.S my home. All the children who performed are born here but thnks to Mashal they are learning the rich music, poetry and arts hertiage of Pakistan. Thank you Mashal organization for doing your part to enhance cultural richness and for your contribution to arts in the Tri Valley area.
Syed Jafar April 11, 2011 at 05:35 pm
What an evening. It felt like Pakistan was here in San Ramon. This is what I grew up with and watching all these kids so involved and participating in cultural songs, dances and poems was refreshing and a delight (seemed like a Karachi Gymkhana event where I used to participate when I was a kid).
The place was packed with little super stars ready to shine in next phases of their lives. Thanks to Mashal for their community involvement and all the efforts to bring home so close to us here in San Ramon. Thanks to San Ramon city Mayor and council for their huge support.
Jennifer Wadsworth April 11, 2011 at 06:03 pm
Did you take photos at the event? Feel free to add them to our gallery!
Laura Selway Sanchez April 11, 2011 at 07:48 pm
I totally enjoyed the dinner and the program. The music and especially, for me, the dancing were SO WELL DONE! so energetic and such skill!! The costumes and the clothes of the fashion show were beautiful/handsome, and the enthusiasm and self-confidence of all the performers were remarkable! I loved it!
Congratulations to Mashall and to all who were part of this delightful event. Laura Selway Sanchez

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