Thousands celebrate India and Pakistan at Indo-Pak Festival

St Mary’s played host to the third annual Indo-Pak Food Festival on Sunday, where locals hosted their own stalls to sell home-cooked food and paint faces.

Around 3000 people attended throughout the day, where stalls were spread across the concourse at St Mary’s, the Gasworks pub and part of the outside fanzone.

Indian and Pakistani bunting covered the stadium as the ICC Champions Trophy group stage match between the two countries was screened.

Thousands gathered as the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy was screened. (Image: Newsquest) Along with the food stalls, many local businesses also showed their faces, with foster care companies and Hampshire constabulary having a presence.

READ MORE: Indo-Pak Food Festival a celebration of friendship, culture and food

“Getting local businesses was very important for us,” said Rajan Jolly, one of five organisers for the festival.

A wide variety of homecooked foods was on offer at the festival. (Image: Newsquest) “Fostering is so important, and we said why don’t you come along and meet people, to see if anyone is interested in offering their homes.

“We have Bollywood dancers teaching how to do Bollywood steps, we have henna painting, face painting, it is a proper festival.”

A Bollywood dance workshop was held in the concourse of the stadium. (Image: Newsquest) The event started three years in a “hall in Eastleigh” and has now packed out Southampton FC’s stadium.

READ MORE: Food festival showcasing Asian culture to take place in Southampton this weekend

Homemade food from savoury samosas to aromatic biryani and masala chips were on offer to people of all ages, as well as musical entertainment through live instruments.

The Lord Mayor of Southampton Cllr Dave Shields was also in attendance.

The Lord Mayor of Southampton was in attendance, wearing full regalia. (Image: Newsquest) Rajan, who organises the event alongside Fariha Zahid, Imran Ghofoor, Munaza Hussian and Meenakshi Jolly, said the event requires a lot of hard work but is worth the effort.

“It’s not easy but the kicks you get out of it,” he said.

“The happiness you get when you see people from both countries coming together and enjoying and working hard for a good cause.

“We are raising money today for Southampton’s Children Hospital, also for a AAA screening for over 65 men.

“The cause is very much to bring people together. It’s to show unity to show unity between India and Pakistan, and to make sure people come and enjoy home-cooked food.”