Discovering Family Ties and Pakistani Hospitality in Lahore
The Warm Welcome of Lahore
In February, I attended the Faiz Festival in Lahore, experiencing firsthand the famed Pakistani hospitality. Locals were thrilled to learn I was from India, their faces brightening at the news.
Celebrating Faiz Ahmed Faiz at the Faiz Festival
The annual Faiz Festival, held at Alhamra Cultural Complex, honors the legacy of renowned poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. It features performances, book launches, exhibitions, and discussions on art, culture, history, literature, gender, and social inequality.
Festival Organizers and Hosts
Moneeza Hashmi, Faiz’s younger daughter and a Faiz Foundation Trust trustee, organizes the festival. Along with her sister, Salima Hashmi, and the festival team, they ensured Indian delegates felt welcome.
A Family Reconnection
Crossing into Pakistan, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. My family hails from Lahore, as well as Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Dera Ismail Khan, and Hoti Mardan. In Lahore, I found numerous family connections.
Family Links
- My great-grandfather and his brother graduated from Lahore’s Government College.
- My grandfather attended Government Law College, while my grandmother studied at Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya.
- My paternal grandfather ran a successful photo studio on Mall Road.
Unveiling Family History
With the registrar’s help, I visited my great-grandfather’s alma mater, Government College (now Government College University). He proudly shared its history and famous alumni.
Notable Alumni
- Actors Balraj Sahni and Dev Anand
- Nobel laureates Har Gobind Khorana and Dr. Abdus Salam
- Writer Imtiaz Ali Taj
- Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Iqbal
Exploring Lahore
During my stay, I discovered more family ties, such as my grandmother’s friendship with Khalida Begum. I also visited the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, finding a plaque commemorating my grandmother’s brother, who was imprisoned there.
Savoring Lahore’s Cuisine
I embarked on a food tour of Androon Lahore, led by Ali Rehman. We tried local dishes like shaabu halwa puri, jedda lassi, laddu peethi, and ghousia chaney. I also enjoyed chicken karahi at Nadeem Butt restaurant and brought back nankhatai from Khalifa Bakery.
Preserving Lahore’s Heritage
Our walk took us to Gali Surjan Singh, a community preservation project. Local residents are restoring houses and creating baithaks to reflect their lifestyles.
Reflecting on My Lahore Journey
The warmth and love I received in Lahore were truly touching. I believe more Indians visiting Pakistan will change perceptions of the country and its people. As the Punjabi saying goes, “Jinney Lahore nai vekhya, o jameya nahi” – one who hasn’t seen Lahore hasn’t yet been born. Perhaps my birth has just begun.
