LAHORE: A three-day festival titled Shaan-i-Pakistan — Kya Dilli, Kya Lahore — featuring Indian and Pakistani fashion designers, glamour world personalities and cuisine will kick off in Lahore on March 20.

Huma Nassr, the moving spirit behind the event, announced it at a press conference here on Tuesday.

With the success of Shaan-i-Pakistan’s first edition in New Delhi in September 2015, the festival is scheduled to return with more exhibitors and partners from March 20 to 22.

Ms Nassr, while sharing her excitement about the second edition of the event, said: “We are extremely thrilled to host the second edition of Shaan-i-Pakistan here in Pakistan itself and what better place than the epicenter of culture, cuisine, history and more: Lahore. Lahore and Delhi share many similarities and with a platform like Shaan-i-Pakistan we hope to provide an opportunity to our Indian friends to experience a slice of Lahore and Pakistan in its true sense”. She said: “I hope for the people of both countries to share their work by showcasing their craft, talent, cuisine and ideas on one unified platform. Our vision is to bring together the talent of Pakistan and Hindustan for the love of food, music and fashion, promoting the values of a shared heritage, peace and acceptance.”

Indians to grace three-day event

Mr Yousaf Salahuddin said weather was conducive for the festival that would help build a positive image of the country.

The first day will have ‘Ek Shaam’ consisting of musical performances by Rekha Bhardvaj from India and Asrar, Mai Dhai & Sounds of Kolachi from Pakistan followed by a culinary feast prepared by the best chefs from Pakistan and India. Famous Indian actress Zeenat Amaan will also be attending the festival.

Day 2 will have an open exhibition by the participating retailers/craftsman including Amina Sultan, Anand Khanna, Beech Tree, Chapter 13, Elisha Wadhwani, Healiv, Jooti Shooti, Laali by Ayesha’s, Lace Up, Lucknow Sey, Mehak Adil, Milli Shoes, Mina Siddique, Nine Lines, Sonia Ahuja, Sonrissa, Stratford Street, Susheel Jewellers & Womaniya Designs.

On the third and last day will be a celebratory fashion showcase of 20 designers from across the fashion tiers from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh including Ahmed Bilal, Aisha Imran, Amir Adnan, Barae Khanom, Bibi Russell (Bangladesh), Braahtii, Cara Collection, FIA Haute Couture, Hammad Ur Rehman, Joy Mitra, Jyoti Sachdev Iyer, Nida Azwer, Rang Ja, Republic Women’s Wear, Sabeen Style D’Elegance, Samanth Chauhan, Studio AV by Gaurav & Nitesh, Zainab Chottani & Zubia Motiwalla.

Shaan-i-Pakistan’s first event in 2015 brought together Pakistani and Indian fashion designers, retail brands, models, culinary forces, handicraft industries, music, entertainment & lifestyle personalities on one platform in Delhi to develop trust, growth and business among Pakistan’s and India’s fashion, culinary and handicraft industries.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2016