JEDDAH: In a vibrant celebration that beautifully captured the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, the ‘Farhat Watan’ festivities in Jeddah brought together people from diverse nationalities in a colourful tapestry of music, culture, camaraderie and entertainment. Jointly organised by Lulu Hypermarket Baghdadiya and Bangeesham Mappila Kootayma, the grand celebration transformed the venue into a lively arena of Saudi pride, cultural harmony and shared joy.
The programme officially commenced with the Saudi National Anthem, setting a stirring tone for an evening filled with Saudi songs, Arabic music, traditional dances and an array of captivating cultural performances. The celebration reflected the Kingdom’s cherished values of unity, hospitality and cultural diversity while offering the multicultural community an opportunity to join in the National Day festivities. Raheem Valiyora, Regional Manager of Lulu Hypermarket, graciously inaugurated the celebration and joined the cake-cutting ceremony, adding warmth and significance to the occasion. The Lulu management team, including Shamshad, Manager, Lulu Hypermarket Jeddah Baghdadiya; Roshen, Supermarket Manager; Ahmed Nasser, Fresh Food Manager; Saad Zahrani, Shop Manager; and Arun Jose, Chief Accountant, actively participated in the festivities, reflecting the organisation’s wholehearted support for the vibrant National Day celebrations.
Badsha, Chairman of Bangeesham Mappila Kootayma and a true “tough cookie” known for his energetic and determined spirit, delivered a warm welcome address, setting an upbeat tone for an evening brimming with culture, music and entertainment, while Suvicha anchored the programme with finesse. The celebrations came alive with a captivating line-up of cultural performances, led by renowned Arabic singer Zikra Saleem, whose energetic rendition emerged as one of the evening’s major highlights. Shabeer Kottapuram and Niya Fatima further enthralled the audience with their melodious musical performances, while Faiza’s vibrant Oppana choreography and Sreedha Teacher’s graceful dance choreography added a distinctive blend of tradition, colour and artistic elegance to the stage. Rasheed Kollam, Ashraf Parangadi, Mustafa Kunapuram and Reji Veeran also graced the occasion.
The celebration was further enriched by the enthusiastic presence of distinguished guests and community representatives, whose participation added warmth and grandeur to the occasion. Gafoor Mambad, Salam Achanapalam, Iqbal, Yousuf Kotta, Shaji, Nizar, Adnan, Sadath, Manaf, Habeeb, Amjad and Jenny, along with special guests Vasu Hamadan and Abdulla Mukani, graced the event with their presence.
The participation of KMCC leaders VP Mustafa, Arimbra Aboobaker Sahib, Nasar Machingsal, Shokath and Zubair, as well as representatives of various community organisations, further underscored the collective spirit of the celebration. Adding a lively family dimension, painting, colouring and Mehendi competitions drew enthusiastic participation from children, women and families, transforming the festivities into a vibrant platform of togetherness, creativity and cultural camaraderie rather than merely an entertainment programme.
Women coordinators Shamsheera, Shahira, Fahiza, Mumthas, Shabna, Haseena, Suneera and Shahida played a trenchant and commendable role in coordinating the celebration, demonstrating remarkable commitment, precision and organisational flair while ensuring the programme unfolded with vibrant energy. With the venue brimming with an enthusiastic crowd, ‘Farhat Watan’ transcended the boundaries of a National Day celebration to become a joyous confluence of cultures, friendships and shared happiness.
From the solemn opening strains of the Saudi National Anthem to the pulsating rhythms of Arabic music, captivating cultural performances and cheerful family participation, the evening concluded on a resounding note of unity and festivity, leaving behind Baghdadiya glowing with memories of a truly joyful celebration to cherish.
M Siraj
