Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday finalized the arrangements to be held in connection with the ‘Jashne Baharan’, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

He was presiding over a meeting convened to review arrangements made for the event. 

The chief minister was told that for the first time in its history, the event would be completely sponsored, and that not a single penny of the Punjab government would be spent on it. 

On the other hand, the festival has begun in Lahore and Faisalabad as Food Fun Mela has got underway at the provincial capital’s Jilani Park. Lahore’s top 20 food brands have set up their stalls at the venue. The mela will last until March 12. 

Every evening, popular singers will perform at Lahore’s hockey stadium.

Those who will perform are Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sahir Bagha, Bilal Saeed, Aima Khan and others. 

Special functions will be held on March 8 in connection with the ‘Women’s Day’.

Mahafile Naat and Qawwali nights will be organised at the shrine of Hazrat Usman Ali Hajveri, and other shrines of the city.

Every day there will be three shows of ‘Lucky Irani Circus at Greater Iqbal Park. The shows will continue for a week.

On March 12, there will be a marathon in Lahore. There will also be a race on wheel as well as fun race.

Professional cyclists will participate in a 42-kilometer long race. 

Punjab folk music shows will be held at Jilani Park.

Light and music extravaganza show will be organised at the Lahore Fort. 

Different shows such as ‘Roshan Galyan’, Wekh Lahore, Rangeela Rickshaw and Drum Circle Show will also be organised.

Lahore’s large roads will be decorated with lights. 

There will also be shows on canal and sports competitions. 

In Faisalabad, events will be held at Iqbal Stadium, University of Agriculture, and other spots. 

Food stalls will be set up at different places. Besides that, mehfile mushaira, qawwali night, handicraft show, cycle race, fireworks and heavy bike race will also be organised. 

Female players from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan will participate in the international handball tournament to be played in Faisalabad.    

Reporter: Ali Ramay