NEW JERSEY: Jutt-Bhutta family farms organized the first-ever ‘Fall Festival’, featuring a unique pumpkin-picking event in New Jersey.
Despite the cold weather, thousands of people from the South Asian community attended with their families, turning the event into a resounding success. Organizers said that there was no admission fee for the participants.
Mayor of Montgomery Township Neena Singh inaugurated the festival by cutting the ribbon alongside Dr. Abrar Nadeem, the driving force behind the Jutt-Bhutta Family Farms.
The festival offered a wide array of entertainment for children. There were train-themed rides, which even brought back childhood memories for the adults as well as jumping castles and bouncy houses, much to the delight of the children.
The festival, rich in cultural activities, also featured the national anthems of both the United States and Pakistan.
Numerous food and beverage stalls further enlivened the atmosphere.
A variety of items including barbecue, steaks, parathas, bhaturas, fried chicken, cheeseburgers, Matar Pilaow (Pea Pilaow), and chana chaat were prepared fresh on-site.
Organizers also set up tea and coffee stalls for the participants who formed long queues for their turn.
Mayor of Montgomery Township, New Jersey Neena Singh said that small businesses play a vital role in fostering economic growth, adding that her administration is committed to providing them with robust support.
Prominent community figures, including Chaudhry Khalid Asghar Gharal, a member of the Punjab Assembly who traveled specifically from Pakistan for the event, attended the festival and lauded the role of organizers of the event.
A luncheon was also hosted for the guests, featuring a diverse array of dishes. The festival recreated an authentic traditional atmosphere, complete with “Charpais”, allowing women and elders to relive the same experiences they once enjoyed in the fields and farmlands back home.
Event organizer Dr. Abrar Nadeem Bhatta said that “Jutt-Bhutta Family Farms” had fulfilled its promise; despite the cold weather, the large turnout from the community ensured the festival’s success.
Jutt-Bhutta Family Farms also brought livestock raised on their own premises to the festival.
Furthermore, tractor-trolley rides around the farm evoked fond memories of rural life for the participants.
According to the festival supervisor, Sumaiya Mirza, the Jutt-Bhutta family endeavored to provide hundreds of participants with an authentic, traditional atmosphere—an experience they would remember for a long time to come.
Stalls featuring traditional eastern attire for men and women were set up.
Jewelry and decorative items, boasting unique and eye-catching designs captivated the women, drawing them in, while the “Khussas” (traditional footwear), an iconic element of Punjabi culture—became the center of everyone’s attention.
Participants said that this was an excellent and successful initiative to introduce the younger generation to Punjabi culture, expressing hope that such events would continue to be organized in the future.
The large turnout of the event demonstrated that, whether Pakistani or Indian, the heritage and culture of Punjab remain very much alive in people’s hearts.
The festival was abuzz with lively activity; in particular, the traditional dances and “Bhangra” reflecting the spirit of Punjabi culture that energized the crowd.
Later, a lucky draw was held for a raffle, with several fortunate winners selected to receive an iPhone 18 Pro Max.
