Draws to a close: Huner Mela ends amid food, song

Event saw one of the biggest crowds in recent times, say locals


A woman displays her stalls at Hunar Mela. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS

PESHAWAR: The three-day Huner Mela, showcasing the works of artisans from across the region, came to an end to the melodious voice of renowned singer Sara Raza Khan.

The event witnessed one of the biggest crowds ever for the city and was organised by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Corporation at PIA Planetarium near Ghani Bagh Phase-II, Hayatabad.

The visitors also enjoyed musical performances by Humayun Khan, Bakhtiyar Khan and Bannu Rehmat. For three days, artisans kept the crowd entertained while 50 stalls with traditional handicrafts and food drew admirers and buyers alike. Traditional Hazara, Kalash, Mehsud, Attan, Chitrali, Gatka, Attan Ball and Bangash dances were also part of the entertainment bill.

A separate pavilion was set up for the Kalash tribe and their people represented their unique culture and traditions. For many this was the main attraction, said Saima Ali. She had come to Hayatabad to attend
the event.

Depicting the culture of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a hujra was also set up and men could be seen sipping tea and narrating stories to younger generations, another visitor, Murad Khan, said. He was at the mela with his teenage children. He remarked, “This is the first time children witnessed the hujra culture and enjoyed it tremendously. The highlight of the event however will be the fireworks planned for a duration of ten minutes.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2016.

 

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