Traditional livestock festival draws flocks of visitors

Seven-day event featuring several attractions offers leisure activities to local people

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

On the direction of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar, the centuries-old cattle and cultural festival was launched to entertain the citizens of Dera Ghazi Khan.

It was formally inaugurated by Advisor to the CM Muhammad Hanif Potafi, Commissioner Dr Irshad Ahmed, Punjab Land Records Authority Chairperson Sardar Ahmed Ali Dareshk, MPA Sardar Mohiuddin Khosa and Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz.

Horse dance, camel dance, javelin throwing and sword dance were the main attractions of the seven-day festival.

The festivities on Sakhi Sarwar Road will continue till February 28.

Activities and events at the festival also include javelin throwing, Lucky Iranian Circus, sports, beautiful cattle show, milk competition, wrestling, arm wrestling, tug-of-war, horse racing, wrestling, volleyball, musical night and other colourful programmes.

The cattle fair had been organised by the CM's special interest and Cattle Market Management Company.

The livestock department's Blue Ravi buffalo, Dajli bull, Mandri sheep, Nakri goat, Nachi goat, Barbari goat, Daira Din Panah goat, Cholistani and Sahiwal cows and caval cad of other high breed cattle had been the centre of attraction.

In addition to javelin throwing, livestock mobile buses, motorcycles and other vehicles also continued to attract public attention.

The inaugural function was attended by Cattle Market Management Company Managing Director (MD) Muhammad Younis Khatran, Director Public Relations Muhammad Junaid Jatoi, Divisional Sports Officer Ataur Rehman and other officers as well as political and social personalities.

The Jhumra Party performed brilliantly.

Addressing the inaugural function, the CM’s advisor remarked that quality entertainment would prove to be a breath of fresh air for the people in this atmosphere of suffocation. “The fair will also raise awareness about the high breed of cattle.”

The commissioner told The Express Tribune that Covid-19 SOPs would be implemented in the cattle fair. “The city has been settled on Sakhi Sarwar Road. Livestock fairs will create economic activity in the region.”

The land record authority chairperson said that cattle breeders and farmers of tribal and plain areas look forward to this festival throughout the year. “Buying and selling of high quality cows, camels, buffaloes, cows and goats is also a major economic activity at the festival and the public is provided with a wide range of recreational activities.”

The cattle fair will encourage cattle breeders, he added.

The deputy commissioner said that neutral committees had been formed for competitions in cattle fairs. “Responsibilities have been assigned to officers of the departments concerned for better management of the cattle fair.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2021.