Kids & Family

Pakistani Cultural Festival at Performance Arts Center Saturday Night

Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson are expected to attend the public event that starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Press Release From the Mashal Organization

Mashal, a non-profit organization based in Tri-Valley area dedicated to promoting Pakistani culture and engaging the youth, will be hosting its fourth annual cultural show Satuday night.

This year’s production titled “Josh,” which means passion in Urdu, will be held at on Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

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“We are so excited to present an opportunity to the local children of Pakistani American descent to connect with their heritage,” said Faraz Sattar, President Mashal. “Our youth is full of hope and are proud of their identity. We want to provide a platform where they can foster their talent and express themselves through dance, music and drama. The production will be a reflection of their understanding of Pakistani culture.”

Keeping with the spirit of the show, this year the organizers are bringing a typical food street scene to the attendees.

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“Food is such a big part of Pakistani culture,” said Ayesha Khan, organizing member of Mashal team. “We wanted our guests to experience the ambiance and expose their palates to a variety of delectable treats from Pakistan. The food street will be vibrant with color, echo with music and put a festive spirit to the event while truly bringing a part of Pakistan to the Bay Area.” 

The food street will open to the attendees at 5:30 p.m. and the guests will be ushered to the theater at 8:00 p.m. where ‘Josh’ will come to life. 

Mashal is committed to establishing ties with the local and national political bodies. Like previously, this year’s event will be attended by a mix of local and state dignitaries which include Assemblymember Joan Buchanan, Mayor of San Ramon Bill Clarkson, Mayor of Danville Candace Andersen, San Ramon Valley Fire Chief Richard Price, among many others. 

“I love participating in Mashal cultural show. This is my second year and I am excited to dress up in Pakistani clothes and dance with my friends,” said Minahil Afzal, a 7-year-old participant.

Minahil is among the 120 participants who are eager to put together a show that expresses their love for their heritage. 

“Through this effort we hope to put a little bit of Pakistan in the hearts of our youth,” said Faraz. “It also helps render a positive image of Pakistan which we feel is so important in these times,” he further explained. 

Mashal, which means torch in English, has been committed to promoting welfare of Pakistani Americans. Through various events such as youth sports camps, organizing a walkathon for the flood victims of Pakistan and a recent Walk organized to honor the Fallen Heroes (police officers and firefighters) and their families, it has not only created leadership opportunities for the youth but has also helped bridge the gap between local communities.   

There are over 120 participants in this year’s show and the organizers anticipate over 600 attendees.

For more information on tickets and venue, please visit here


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