Taste of South Punjab in capital

Pakistan National Council of Arts hosts event on Saraiki culture

ISLAMABAD:

The Saraiki community residing in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi flocked to the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Sunday night to experience the unique flavour of Saraiki culture.

The effervescent Saraiki Jhoomer (traditional dance), soul-stirring poetic symposium and melodious folk musical show not only illustrated the delicate details of the Saraiki culture but also immersed the audience in the cultural realm of South Punjab.

The celebration was a joint effort by the Saraiki Adbi Academy and Sehra-e-Social organization who joined forces with PNCA for the event to mark World Cultural Day, held on May 21.

Former senator and the prominent leader of Pakistan People's Party Farhat Ullah Babar was the chief guest at the event. He said Saraiki was one of the major languages of Pakistan, encompassing a unique sweetness and profound depth.

"I led the commission that was constituted in an effort to establish a Saraiki province.

Therefore, I have a strong affinity towards Saraiki culture," he said while addressing the audience.

He underscored the importance of holding cultural events. The arts have the magical power of countering violence and engendering peace and tolerance in society, he added.

Abdul Rauf, a student from Bahawalpur in Islamabad, was bowled over by the depiction of Saraiki culture through the performing arts.

“It would have been impossible to depict it through words,” he added while paying tribute to the performers and organisers.

"I have traveled across the globe and explored many cultures, but no other culture possesses the kind of sweetness that is embedded in Saraiki culture.

Although I am not Saraiki myself, I have a deep affection for the Saraiki culture," expressed Malaika Saqib, another spectator at the show.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2023.