Cultural show: Young’uns for preservation of heritage

Packed full with culture enthusiasts, the Shah Abdul Latif Bhatti Auditorium was in full swing for the evening. The audience had gathered to witness the rich cultural diversity of Pakistan, presented in an event hosted by the Global School of Integrated Studies (GSIS) Schools and College Islamabad to raise funds for Bilal Foundation on Saturday.

According to a press release, the event started with Sufi music from Sindh accompanied with young students strutting ethnic Sindhi attire on stage, while the beats of traditional instruments added to the folk dance and mesmerized the audience.

While showcasing KPK, young performers from different cultural backgrounds played the Rabab, sung famous Pashto songs like BB Shirini and performed Khattak dance, while young models wearing traditional Pashto dresses garnered much applause from the audience.

A group of students in colourful Punjabi kurtas and lungis entered the stage, performing bhangra on dhol beats and singing famous Punjabi songs. Such was the fervour that audience  members also broke out in dance.

Also a part of the colourful evening were Balochi , Balti and Kashmiri  dances as well as models sashaying in traditional dresses,.

A cultural show towards the end received roaring applause when young models in contemporary fusion spring, summer and winter costumes walked down the ramp to the song “Fashion ka hay Jalwa”.

“With the title “Colours of Pakistan”, we wanted to send a message of unity and diversity between all federating units to pursue the documentation and preservation of their indigenous folk heritage”.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2014.