‘Hunar’ showcases Sindhi culture

A handicraft exhibition titled "Hunar” or craftsmanship has enchanted visitors with its celebration of Sindhi culture. With more than 70 stalls and over 100 participating artistes, the event showcased a dazzling array of artistry.

Attendees had the opportunity to admire and purchase exquisite jewelry, clothing, bags, and home decor items meticulously crafted by talented and hardworking women. The exhibition also featured a diverse range of pottery, showpieces, and other remarkable creations.

Organised by the Sindh Culture Department, the two-day handicraft exhibition was held at Port Grand, where the rich heritage of Sindhi culture took the centre-stage. Colourful rilies, gaj, Sindhi ajrak, caps, and captivating paintings were prominently displayed to promote and preserve Sindhi traditions.

Visitors were captivated by calligraphy, pottery, sculptures, traditional wheeled carts, dolls, sliding monkeys, and a wide variety of finely crafted copper and stone tools. Intricately carved seals, scales, children's toys, palm leaf pots, fans, and vibrant costumes added to the immersive experience, captivating the imagination of all those in attendance.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Sindh Culture Department's Director General Manwar Ali Mahesar, who emphasised the event's goal of supporting artistes and providing them with valuable market opportunities.

The exhibition was carefully curated to cater to the interests of both artists and buyers, showcasing the remarkable skills of talented individuals. The success of a previous craft festival held in Karachi six months ago inspired the organisers to create this captivating event.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the enchanting performances of Sindhi music and folk songs, mesmerising the attendees. Women living in Sindh's rural areas played a vital role in their households by crafting unique items from clay, leaves, and wood. At one stall, a humble 50-year-old woman skillfully crafted pottery, pindi, fans, and bags using needle and thread, using palm leaves as her chosen medium.

Mehtab, a resident of Khairpur district, expressed her gratitude for the platform provided by the Sindh government, which allowed skilled individuals to showcase their talents. She highlighted the affordability of daily-use items made from palm leaves, ranging from Rs50 to Rs500.

Mehtab, with 35 years of experience, emphasised the importance of passing down these skills to the younger generation, as they require time and expertise.

Najma Maheshwari, a resident of Lyari and a member of the Hindu community, shared her admiration for Sindhi rili, an integral part of their cultural heritage. She explained that it takes a week to create a single piece, a craft learned through observation and passed down by grandmothers.

Najma has been promoting Sindhi culture in Karachi, showcasing her work locally and internationally.

Muhammad Ashraf from Badin, a dedicated potter for over 20 years, expressed concern about the diminishing practice of pottery, even in the rural areas. He stressed the importance of preserving this ancient tradition, highlighting the health benefits of consuming food and drinks from earthen vessels, which naturally keep water cool. Ashraf passionately described his expertise in crafting various pots, bowls, matkas, and gulaks. He explained that a matka takes just 10 minutes to create, followed by a day of drying and three days of cooking. Thousands of matkas are produced and sold, underscoring the continued demand for these artisanal items.

Distinguished guests, including the consul general of Japan, and vice consul general of Malaysia, appreciated the artisans' commitment to the centuries-old culture of Sindh.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2023.