The hostess, Mahnaz Fareed at her Punjabi best. |
The intensity of winter in 'the city of saints' often surprises those, who learn about its heat first. Not many people are aware of the geographical fact that ' Suleman mountain range' which separates Punjab from Balochistan, is less than 150 kilometres away from this region. This area is also blessed with a proper hill station called Fort Monroe (which even gets snow sometimes). So, the winter in this area is almost as cold as in Quetta. The only difference is, it does not snow in Multan.
During winters, a bright sunny day is equally cherished in Multan, as in Europe. Such was the afternoon of 10th December 2014, when the sun decided to stay out of clouds to witness the fabulous 'Punjabi party' arranged by Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh.
Mahnaz needs no introduction, she is among the most prominent and happening ladies of Multan. She is the creator of SOS village, SOS school and College. Also carries on her delicate shoulders the burden of introducing the revolutionary educational systems like Rosetta Stone Laboratory, etc. Her dedication to charity work, elevates her status to a point, never seen before by the women of this area.
She has beautifully blended her social life with charity and involved everybody around her in this noble task. Friends of SOS committee party boasts of more than hundred and fifteen members, who contribute a little from their pockets and donate a lot for the children of SOS village, Multan.
It was Mahnaz's turn to host a party for 'friends of SOS'. As mentioned above, 'Punjabi' was the theme and she left no stone unturned to comply with it. Her house was the best venue, with splendid lawns and palatial building, centrally located in the vicinity of Cantonment. Which encouraged a healthy number of members to enjoy her superb hospitality.
The lawn was set with beautiful canopies of different kinds. Various seating areas were carved out, throughout the lawn, with traditional as well modern furniture. Pakhay, chaabian, you imagine a Punjabi piece of decoration and you could find it, lying in front of you.
Stalls of eatables, offering 'Goll Gappas', 'Dahi barray', 'Jalebi' and such desi delights were established, which provided an endless supply, till the end of party. Chefs and waiters, all up on their toes, served the guests, tirelessly. There were starters also, in form of spicy Green chilli pakoras, Brinjal cutlets, etc. The main course was Halwa poori, Saag, Baajra and Makai roti, barbecued seekh kebabs, Chicken tikka and lots and lots of other desi variety. A mouth watering and belly bursting experience.
All the members and guests were informed to come dressed up in Punjabi attires. There was an overwhelming response to it. The party area seemed to be filled with Punjabans, wearing fanciest of clothes and jewellery. To encourage them, a competition was held, all the ladies were invited to model their clothes and impress the judges with their style. Zartaaj and Ittrat Bano played the role of the judges. Mamoona Qasim, Mala Ahsan and another lady, came out as winners.
This was such a party and its hostess Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh is such a charismatic personality that she made people living in other cities attend the party as well. Mahnaz and Hania Shahid addressed the gathering and after touching important points, thanked Fariha Munir Shah, who dropped in specially from Lahore to attend this party.
And as Shakespeare said, 'All's well, when end's well. This superb gathering , lingered out, till late in the evening. Congratulations Mahnaz Fareed, your party rocked!!
Hania Shahid, inviting the participants |
Zartaj, Saima Faisal, Shazia Fareed, Rabia Rehman, Hafsa |
Romana Ahmad, Rabia Bosan, Samana Ali and Mamoona Qasim |
The judges, Zartaj and Ittrat with 3 winners Mamoona Qasim, Madiha, Mala Ahsan |
Mala, Masooma and Rabia Bosan |
Ayesha Najeeb, Zartaaj and Wajiha Hasnain |
Bushra, Attia, Rina. |
Mrs. Waqar Amjad Aziz |
Filza Akbar, Wajeeha Hasnain. |
Sumera and Rabia Rehman |
The guardian angel of SOS village, Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh. |
Punjabi starters beautifully displayed |
Maria Shahzeb, Bushra Gillani, Masooma Sibtain and Freeha Ismail. |
The late comer Jatti Punjaban, Dr. Saliha Bokhari |
Hina and Bushra |
Zeb Khan & Bushra with friends. |
Mehriya Omer and Asma Mahmood Khwaja |
The canopies added elegance to the layout |
Immaculate set up. |
The chef, serving saag, makai de roti with butter |
The stall for goll gappas |
Mahnaz Fareed and Rani Maqsood. |
The decorations, as seen from the exit. |
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