The skill involved: Three-day festival kicks off in city

Handicrafts, embroidery were on display, many customers seen buying products

PESHAWAR: A three-day Hunar-e-Hawwa festival kicked off in the city on Friday to display handicrafts and embroidery produced by women from across the province. The event took place at PIA Planetarium in Hayatabad.

The initiative was organised by the tourism and culture department. Women from across the province and various parts of Khyber Agency, Waziristan, Orakzai Agency and Gilgit also displayed a diverse menu of items. The event also provided participants an opportunity to draw attention tto their distinct business acumen and entrepreneurship skill.

At the exhibition, Zahra Alam, the event’s organiser, told The Express Tribune 50 stalls were set up where on display were handicrafts, embroidery, taghar (rugs), stone carvings, Peshawari caps, wax paintings, metal work, wood carving, artwork, calligraphy, rings, Gandhara art and pottery work.

During the festival, a large number of women were seen selling and buying goods. Many came with their children from all over the city to enjoy the festival and buy handicrafts.

As she arranged her stall, Bibi Jan, a resident of Chitral, said it is very difficult for women who hail from the mountainous regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to leave their houses and display their skills.

“[Such events provide us] a chance to display our works,” she said. “These exhibitions play a vital role in bringing women to the fore.”

Another stall owner, Naghmana, spent the entire day at her stall and showed customers her Indian jewellery and dresses.

“I run my boutique from my house,” she said. “I can’t open a shop in the market because it is difficult to work outside the home. I hope this festival will help increase my customers.”

Competitive spirit

Besides displaying handicrafts and embroidery, women also took part in a series of competitions like kite-flying, poetry recital sessions, cooking and traditional music.

Students of various universities and colleges also participated in a fashion show, concert, traditional dances and activities such as food competitions, stage, magic, puppet and juggling shows, games and art exhibitions. A play area for children was also on offer.

Traditional Khattak, Mehsud, Attan, Chitrali, Gatka, Attan Ball and Bangash dances were also performed. Rabab and mangay performances were also held.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd,  2016.