Celebrating culture: Local, international craft celebrated

Pakistan Festival, <br /> Global Village concludes at Lok Virsa

ISLAMABAD: A two-day Pakistan Festival and Global Village concluded at National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage Lok Virsa on Sunday with colourful performances by the local artists.

The two-day event had been organised by the Sakafat Art Centre in connection with Independence Day celebrations.

Sakafat Art Forum Head Dr Momina Khayal said that they had organised a hose of colourful cultural activities during the two-day event to showcase Pakistan’s culture.

A large number of people visited the festival and enjoyed the cultural performances and the traditional and international foods, she said. Local artists performed traditional songs and dances.

A musical evening was also arranged along with an array of cultural displays, theatre and a milieu of colourful performances.

Visitors could also shop traditional craft work.

A Syrian food stall owner Hussam said that it was an amazing experience to be part of the festival. He added that the people had responded well to Syrian food.

Some stall owners used the opportunity for eco-activism by putting up a sign which read 'Say No to Plastic Bags' to highlight the serious problem which plastic bags pose to the environment.

He explained that according to researchers; plastic bags get into the soil and slowly release toxic chemicals.

Moreover, plastic products and plastic bags are a source of pollution which can have serious health repercussions.

He further stated that his campaign was aimed at creating awareness amongst the public regarding hazards of plastic bags, adding that he was displaying cloth bags — which had been produced by rural women — which can offer an alternative solution for a healthy lifestyle.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2018.