Chand Raat celebrations in Granville

AUSPAK Women Association (APWA) organised the “APWA Chand Raat” Eid Festival at Granville, on Thursday 20 April 2023. The event was a huge success, with a large number of families from different communities participating in the festivities.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of Pakistan, with APWA’s dedication and hard work ensuring that the event was a huge success.

President Shafaq Jaffery and her team of dedicated ladies were congratulated for organising a fantastic and free event for the public.

The festival featured numerous stalls selling Pakistani clothing, jewellery, and henna, providing ample opportunity for Eid shopping. The food options were diverse and delicious, with Chaska 2 bites Iftar dinner box, biryani, and Kashmiri tea available from the stalls, and tantalizing tandoori specials such as seekh kebab, tandoori chicken, and naan from the Himalayas.

The outdoor area was transformed into a carnival, with a jumping castle and multiple games for kids, and stalls offering fairy floss, churros, popcorn, and icy Kulfi. Oasis served free tea and cake to the attendees as a gesture of love and to add more flavour to Eid preparations.

The magic show was a big hit with the kids.

The entertainment began with speeches from dignitaries such as CG Muhammed Ashraf, Councillor Cumberland Steve Christou, Hon Linda Voltz MP, Marjorie O’Neil, Karishma Kalender, Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake, Dianne Coleman, Councillor Cumberland, Councillor Sabeen Farooqi, Community leader Durga Owen, Mr Hasan Khatri from the Department of Home Affairs, and Trustee Mr Shahid Iqbal.

They all congratulated APWA for bringing the community together to celebrate the rich diversity and identity of Pakistanis during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Lucky Draw Raffle was a hit, with amazing prizes being distributed to the lucky winners; thanks to the wonderful sponsors.

The entertainment continued with a Qawwali performance and concluded with foot-tapping beats and songs sung by a wonderful couple of singers.