The Basant Festival 2017 has drawn mixed response from the attendees with feedback ranging from “the best event for Pakistani community” to “totally not worth it”.
Arguably one of the most disciplined events in the community, the Basant Festival – organised by the Girls Association of Pakistan Aust Inc – has grown in reputation and fame since its inception in 2014.
However, this year’s festival, held at the venue managed by the Polish Club Albion, was marred by measures targeting peoples’ wallets.
Unlike previous festivals, the management this time introduced a $3 entry ticket per person and $10 parking fee per vehicle, which proved to be two least favourite decisions.
Source: Girls Association of Pakistan Aust Inc
"They shouldn’t charge the $10 (parking) fee; it’s way too much for people like us”
“Very disappointing,” said one festival attendant who had come from Dandenong.
“They shouldn’t charge the $10 (parking) fee; it’s way too much for people like us.”
The management claims to have welcomed around 6,000 to 7,000 people, thereby collecting around $ 18,000 to 20,000 in entry tickets.
However, the cost or setting up the whole project is much more than this, claim the organisers.
There’s a lot of effort that goes into organising (this festival) and many people are involved. I think the price is justified, and barring a few people, many were content with the fee, organiser Nosheen Farrukh
“It is a privately-run event and we have to manage our expenses too,” said Nosheen Farrukh of Girls Association of Pakistan.
“It’s not easy to manage such a big event; there’s a lot of effort that goes into organising (this festival) and many people are involved. I think the price is justified, and barring a few people, many were content with the fee.”
Some festival participants also complained of overpriced food stalls.
“We just give them stalls. What they sell and how much they charge for it is not in our control, but the stall holders also work very hard and they can ask for appropriate compensation for their work,” Ms Farrukh explained.
The festival saw participation from people who had come from different cities including Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
Source: Anam Mazhar
Their feedback reflected excitement of being part of such event.
The festival brings our community together and provide us a platform where we can dress up in Pakistani way, eat Pakistani food and meet fellow community members
“It’s amazing,” said a mother of two.
“I think we need more such festivals because it brings our community together and provide us a platform where we can dress up in Pakistani way, eat Pakistani food and meet fellow community members.”
Another believed the organisers “have done a great job”.
“There is definitely some room for improvement but this festival is much better than other community events.”
Source: Wasif Hafeez/Facebook
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