LAHOR: THAAP marked the World Heritage Day on Sunday with a vibrant Vaisakhi celebration titled “Aao Ral Maniay Vaisakhi Day Rang”, organised in collaboration with Bazm-e-Aalam.

The event celebrated the arrival of Punjab’s historic spring festival, presenting a rich blend of music, theatre, and storytelling that reflected the region’s cultural depth.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including cultural activists, scholars, researchers, students, and members of the public, highlighting a collective appreciation for Punjab’s cultural heritage.

The THAAP Secretariat was transformed into a lively cultural space, where a series of curated performances showcased the diversity of Punjabi folk traditions. The programme featured Heer singing, folk theatre, storytelling of the timeless romance of Sassi and Punnun, mystical poetry, and devotional expressions rooted in regional traditions.

A theatrical performance titled “Rajni” written by Najam Hussain Syed and directed by Huma Safdar, stood out for its strong social message and culturally layered narrative. The play was performed by Abuzar Madho, Kashif, Anza, Allianz, and Kanwal, earning appreciation from the audience.

Singer Ali Bakhsh delivered a compelling musical performance, presenting the mystical poetry of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh alongside a moving retelling of the classic love story of Sassi and Punnun. Another highlight was a tribute to the “Shakespeare of Punjab”, Waris Shah, presented by Taimoor Afghani Al Husseini. His rendition of Heer Ranjha captivated the audience and served as a fitting homage to the legendary poet.

The concluding segment featured Nanak Shabd, presented by scholar Kabir Altaf, adding a spiritual dimension to the evening. Collectively, the performances reflected the enduring significance and cultural vibrancy of the Vaisakhi festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Parvez Vandal appreciated the performers and said that Vaisakhi was a centuries-old cultural festival of Punjab with global recognition. He said that THAAP remained committed to organising meaningful initiatives that promoted cultural preservation, strengthened heritage awareness, and provided a platform for emerging folk talent.

The event witnessed strong public participation and stood as a vibrant tribute to Punjab’s cultural richness, reinforcing the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional arts in contemporary times.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026