Gur Mela.

Faisalabd Feb 15: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) organized a vibrant Gur Mela on Sunday, showcasing the rich colors of rural culture and traditional folk heritage. The event was inaugurated by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, along with Additional Secretary Health Shehbaz Hussain Naqvi, Vice Chancellor of Ghazi University Prof Dr Ashfaq Chattha, Rector of The University of Faisalabad Dr. Amanullah Malik, Director FAST Dr. Muhammad Shehzad, Abdul Rehman from Somalia, Chief Scientist at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Dr. Qamar Shakeel, Principal Officer Student Affairs UAF Dr. Riaz Virk, and Senior Tutor Dr. Shaukat Ali. The festival drew a large crowd of students, faculty members, and the general public, providing them a unique opportunity to explore traditional jaggery and authentic local flavors. During the Mela, students dressed in traditional attire set up various stalls featuring rural delicacies such as saag, makai ki roti, lassi, and traditional sweets. Food enthusiasts flocked to the campus to enjoy the festive atmosphere, with many visitors drawn to the live demonstrations of jaggery-making techniques and stalls offering freshly prepared organic products. Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali said that festivals like the Gur Mela not only celebrate food culture but also raise vital awareness about the nutritional and economic benefits of jaggery. He called for tangible efforts to flourish rich local traditions and keep the younger generation connected to their cultural roots. He noted that sugarcane is one of Pakistan's major crops, and traditional gur production serves to both strengthen the rural economy and preserve historical heritage. He said in the modern era, lifestyles and food habits are shifting away from simplicity, making it more important than ever to embrace organic and traditional practices.