Eid Festivities in Los
Angeles and Orange County
A Pakistan Link Report
Glimpses of the Eid function organized by Haya and Anila |
Haya
Farooqi and Anila Ali have been organizing Eid and other fundraising
events for the Pakistani-American residents of Los Angeles
and Orange County. When COPAA took over the hosting of Eid
parties, Haya and Anila had welcomed their initiative and
joined hands with them. However, it was Ramadan and COPAA
had declared that they weren’t going to have a community
get- together for Eid. Who better to fill this void than Haya
and Anila.
Thus, the dynamic duo decided to take on a challenge and in
less than thirty days organized an Eid gathering to remember.
“After all, it was important to have an Eid gathering
on a large scale as we had to introduce and welcome our new
and charismatic Consul General and our Consul. We needed something
that would involve our youth and make them feel catered for,”
revealed Haya. Thus they came up with a Pakistani version
of the American Idol.
Eid
celebrations in Los Angeles and Orange County
|
The
audience was very excited and responsive to the idea and many
guests crooned to the best of their ability. The one to take
a decisive lead was Yousuf Khan from Irvine. His performance
delighted the audience. Another vibrant singer was Rizwan
Malik, He sang a song from “Don” and the audience
appreciated him. Sara Ali and Amal Farooqui were the youngest
of the group but sang, “If We Were a Movie” with
exceptional ease. Rehana Motiwala sang a melodious tune to
an enraptured audience and Dr.Yasmin delighted the gathering
with another song. An upcoming group of talented musicians,
featuring high school seniors Shaan Khan, Daniyal Ali and
Avinash delighted the audience with their rendition of “Can’t
Take My Eyes off You.”
Lots of door prizes were given out by Consul General Ibne
Abbas, Consul Ahsan Wagan, Mrs.Kurwa, Mr.Hamid Malik, Waqar
Ali Khan and Dara Khan of Shahnawaz Restaurant. A vivacious
Bhangra group performed and charmed the spectators. In the
end, Haya and Anila ran hither and yon, thanking their audience
for their support and encouragement. “Providing an exquisite
décor, delectable food, and superb entertainment is
our way of showering our friends with our love and attention,”
say Haya and Anila. Their efforts were duly applauded.
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