Being married in the Khawaja family of Multan I soon realised that everyone loves to eat and be merry just like the Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings.

Food is not only about satiating your hunger, it is about togetherness, love and family. It reflects values, customs and traditions. It gels together the social fabric. That's why they always tell you to try the traditional food when you visit a new country because it gives you an understanding of the sort of people who live there.

Multan Food Festival, the brainchild of Khawaja Jawad of KMJ productions in collaboration with Roomi Foods was created on such a premise.

First time in the history of Multan such an event took place. The venue was at Buch Villas. Mr Yasir Bucha himself ardently took care of the security. It was a well-organised collective effort. It brought together the high end niche restaurants, the local dhabas and food-carts and home chefs under one roof. Multan Food Festival has highlighted some important aspects of our society.

Women Empowerment

There are hard working women in our society whose only opportunity is to work from home. As society demands, cooking is the only skill that women must learn, either they are educated or not. Intelligent women have wisely made use of this talent to bring in a little income in the household. Sometimes kitchen is the only milieu in which women feel empowered. It is a rising trend and women have taken the bull by its horns.

Most home chefs in the MFF were women like Asia Bibi of the Home Chef. She told me that she enjoyed making kebabs, samosas, chutneys, koftay and rolls. Her stuff was in demand amongst her friends and they would request her to make it for them. That's how she began her venture. She was happy with the response she got at MMF.

Budding Talents

An event like this has given a platform for the budding chefs to exhibit their talent. MFF has not only brought the young talent out of the closet but it has also given them positive encouragement.

The Little Cake Company founded by a little girl Zahra Shah and her sisters is such an example. She only bakes desserts such as cakes, cupcakes, pies and tarts. She has brought innovative ideas for the people of Multan.

Moreover, the stall Chaye Shaye was organised by three young boys who made the tea themselves and served it with great gusto.

A platform for all and sundry

MFF had other stalls as well like Shaukat Khanum, Life Lab and the Society for Special Persons. The latter is a society for disabled women, they had a stall of Shahi Dahi bhalay. Their main objective was to be heard. They are struggling to empower disabled women and to raise awareness to stand against misogyny and discrimination against disability.

Families and Children

MFF was not just for youngsters who came for the concert nor was it for business people who had their stalls. This event was for the whole family. Special play area with security was constructed to keep the children entertained while the adults enjoyed food. There were rides and games for them to play like jumping castle, merry go round, slides and swings. MFF had a holistic approach and kept the needs of everyone in mind.

Entertainment

And of course food and music go hand in hand. There were excellent performances by RDB, Quadrum, Roxen, Falak, Papu Saein, Rizwan Butt and Mohsin Ejaz. The beginning of the new year was marked by flying lanterns, fireworks and furling of the Pakistani flag. Thus, Multan Food Fest 2017 has marked a beginning of a new era. Amen to that and a Happy New Year!