I was born and brought up in Kashmir, India, surrounded by the stunning landscapes that fuelled my passion for travel. Twenty-five years ago, I had the opportunity to start a career in tourism in the UK, which led me to Southampton – a city that I now proudly call home.

Beyond my work, I’m also deeply involved in the local community. Six years ago, I founded The ESAC (Eastleigh and Southampton Asian Community) Group, which has grown to over 2,500 members. Our mission is to support one another and celebrate cultural diversity through various events and festivals. Last year, I was honoured to receive a Unity 101 Award for my contributions to community service.

The Indo-Pak Food Festival was born out of friendship and a shared love for food and culture. I regularly play badminton with a group of friends and a few years ago I suggested that we bring food into the mix. This idea led to a fully-fledged festival, attracting over 1,000 people in its first year and 2,400 the next, with up to 3,000 expected this year.

The festival is not just about food—it’s about breaking barriers, sharing traditions and strengthening the bond between communities. It’s a space where people from all backgrounds come together to enjoy authentic Indo-Pak cuisine, Bollywood music, face and henna painting and the warmth of togetherness. This year, we’re also using the platform to raise awareness and funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital.

The Indo-Pak Food Festival is for everyone, and entrance is completely free. Last year we were thrilled to see that over 30% of our attendees were English, which truly reflects the spirit of inclusivity and cultural exchange that this festival stands for.

This year’s event takes place on 23rd February from 9am to 5pm and it’s set to be extra-special. We couldn’t believe it when we found out that the India vs Pakistan ICC cricket match falls on the same date as our festival. To make the most of this, St. Mary’s Stadium has invited us to host the event there, and we’ll be showing the match on the big screen. Imagine the electrifying atmosphere: fans from both sides, delicious food and an unforgettable celebration of cricket and culture!

What makes this festival truly special is that nearly all the stalls are run by home cooks, so visitors will get to experience the authentic flavours of India and Pakistan, just like they would back home, plus some traditional dishes that are rare in the UK.

By focusing on community building, the festival celebrates the beauty of both Indian and Pakistani cultures while emphasising the importance of unity. Our goal is to dispel stereotypes and create mutual respect and understanding, all through the universal language of food and shared experiences.

In the process, we aim to create stronger relationships between different ethnic communities within Southampton and the wider area, and encourage people to celebrate their heritage while embracing others' traditions.

The positive energy generated by the Indo-Pak Food Festival is truly overwhelming, and it means the world to our team. For us, this event is not just about food and fun; it's about creating an environment where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate our shared humanity. The joy, laughter and sense of unity that fills the air during the festival are a testament to the power of community, and seeing people from different cultures enjoying themselves side by side is incredibly rewarding.

As a team, we’ve always believed that food is a powerful medium for connection. When people taste authentic dishes made with love and passion, it sparks conversations, breaks down cultural barriers and builds lasting bonds. The fact that we’ve created a space where people from diverse backgrounds—especially those from India, Pakistan, and the wider Southampton area—can come together with a sense of respect and shared celebration, is something that fills us with pride and joy.

The success of the festival, with thousands of visitors from diverse walks of life, reassures us that we’re on the right path. The positive feedback we receive, the excitement in the air and the community spirit that we see blossoming with each passing year reminds us of the power we have when we unite for a common cause.

Tickets and further details from: https://www.indopakfoodfestival.com/