Dr. Mehvish Riaz, Director, China Study Centre, invited deans, administrative officers, faculty members, staff and students to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn at UET Lahore. So far as the history of the festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is concerned, it started more than 2,000 years ago as a post-autumn harvest celebration. The full moon is considered a symbol of reunion, as such, the Mid-autumn Festival is also known as the Reunion Festival. Dr. Mehvish Riaz described the folklore behind the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival, as well as the traditions related to its celebration. The moon has a special significance in Pakistani culture because various festivals, such as Eid, in Pakistan, are celebrated following lunar calendar. In the poetry written in Urdu and Pakistani native languages, the moon has symbolically been represented to signify the beloved, union, separation, isolation, guidance, peace, beauty, joy, and celebration, etc. Participants of the event recited Urdu and Chinese poetry written in appreciation of the moon, enjoyed music, and watched a documentary on the festivities of the mid-autumn festival celebrated in China. The participants greatly enjoyed a feast at the festival celebration at UET Lahore.
