Driven by the zest for celebrating Urdu literature, art and culture, Ain Adab, which is a renowned platform for the promotion of literature, had set the stage of Faiz Festival 2023 ablaze after organizing a tremendous dramatic reading session on Faiz’s poetry. The dramatic readers included Usman Qureshi, Ali Mazhar and Farah Iqrar whose rich command on vocal cords, Urdu pronunciation and intelligent expression delivery added much oomph to the literary event. The majority of Faiz’s poetry which is written on the theme for love of our Pakistan, individual rights, right to speech and self-expression were recited. Moreover, the recited prose and letters to his wife, family and friends were also presented on the occasion.
The dramatic readers presented wonderful writings of the late poet not only in Urdu but in Persian and Punjabi languages as well. Apart from this session, Ain Adab works for the promotion of Urdu language and unites artists from diverse walks of life and demographics, all over the country. A majority of these artists include dramatic readers, storytellers, reciters and performing artists.
Be it revolutionary, motivating, romantic or deeply sad poetry, Faiz's writing expression always touched not only hearts and souls, but also the minds of millions of intellectuals in not only Pakistan but also all across the globe. He introduced a new paradigm in Urdu language that paved the way for all socially and culturally sensitive thinkers, writers, intellectuals of his time, and even now. A major theme of his writings always emphasised self-expression, freedom of speech and never losing one’s own stance no matter what the circumstances become. His work is an amalgamation, denoting Faiz's love for the homeland. The persistence and consistency in his own ideas and beliefs which remained an eminent part of Faiz's personality, could be easily felt by his legendary poetry. He had a passion for living life with zeal, and was an overall sensitive person who was much inspired by Iqbal's poetry.
Sneak Peek into Faiz 2023
This year’s Faiz Festival was a three-day event that continued till the 19th of February 2023. The event hosted foreign delegates from countries including the UK, Canada, USA and India for its various literary, music, and art activities. More than 60 events – comprising discussions, lectures, theatre, dance performances and qawwali were held at the Alhamra Arts Council.
Faiz’s daughters Salima Hashmi and Muneeza Hashmi, Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider, Adeel Hashmi and Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi were prominent dignitaries who took part in an inaugural ceremony of the 7th Faiz Festival.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held at the Art Gallery. The three-day festival had thirty-two sessions in which eminent writers, poets, and artists gave and took various sessions.
In addition to this, renowned poet Javed Akhtar and actor-writer Atul Tiwari from India also joined the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Lahore’s Commissioner said that sixty delegates from more than ten countries had participated in the event. “I wish such festivals would continue to happen in the country.”
“Punjab Culture Day will also be celebrated, and Jashan-e-Baharan will also be organised,” he added.
Contrary to earlier editions, all festivities at the Faiz Festival were free of cost for the general public after the organisers faced criticism over ticket pricing of the renowned event. The preparations at the Alhamra Hall, Mall Road, and its adjacent roads including Canal Road continued for the three days of the literary mela.
On the first day of the event, Ajoka Theatre performed its famous play Anhi Mai Da Sufna and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan performed at night. On the second day of the event, a total of 30 performances were held in the halls of Alhamra Arts Council. According to the schedule, prominent local personalities including Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra Nigar, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, Fazal Jaat, Irfan Khoosat, Imran Abbas and Dr. Sugra Sadaf also graced the popular festival with their presence. There is a long list of people of high standing in their respective fields who delivered talks in different sessions in the three-day festival.