Orange festival pulls huge crowd

Diplomats attend one-day fair; laud Pakistan’s rich culture, food

TAXILA:

A one-day fair showcasing blood oranges and traditional food in Taxila, the ancient capital city of the Gandhara civilisation, brought together food lovers, foreign diplomats, and locals to cherish Pakistan’s rich culture.

Senate Deputy Chairman, Mirza Muhammad Afridi and ambassadors of various countries along with their families participated in the festival. More than 60 guests were in attendance at the festival.

Blood oranges are famous worldwide for their taste and distinctive red colour.

The Senate deputy chairman appreciated the efforts of the organisers for holding the festival continuously for a decade and said that they are celebrating a culture day where all aspects of Pakistan’s culture are present including local food.

Talking to The Express Tribune, he said that the arrival of a large number of foreign ambassadors along with their families will not only show the positive face of Pakistan to the world but will also improve tourism.

“Cultural diplomacy is essential to advancing the rich and historic cultural legacy of Pakistan globally,” he said.

Foreign representatives at the event included the Ambassador of Nepal Tapas Adhikari, Ambassador of Czeck Republic Ladislav Steinhubel, and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne. Representatives from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Nepal, Yemen, Egypt, Azerbaijan and the US were also present to enjoy the treats of Taxila.

Read  Love's true test? Why is the internet obsessed with peeling oranges

The host of the event said the city of Taxila was the centre of the ancient Gandhara civilisation and even today tourists from all over the world visit it. Especially, history students come here to research and study the bygone civilisation. “This city, located at the crossroads of many great civilisations is a holy land for the followers of Buddhism”.

The occasion also sought to draw attention to and promote Taxila's rich cultural heritage.

He further said that oranges produced in the Panj Khatta region are very sweet and if attention is paid to their production and packaging, they can earn a name in international markets as well and foreign exchange can also be earned through their sale.

He further said that events such as the Orange Festival are a great way to introduce the diplomatic community to Pakistan's people, culture, and history.

The audience was amazed by the talent of the locals.

Foreign diplomat corps, belonging to different countries of the world, took a keen interest in Pakistan’s traditional culture, music, local crafts and delicious food.

They all lauded the festival for creating the opportunity to showcase Pakistan and Taxila’s local culture helping them to understand the softer image of the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2024.