Schools celebrate Punjab Cultural Day

RAWALPINDI:

Schools in Rawalpindi celebrated Punjab Cultural Day with colourful events representing Punjab’s culture on Thursday

Teachers and students were clad in traditional Punjabi dresses to mark the event. Women teachers wore Kurta Dhoti, and Lehenga Kurta, while many also adorned their hair with traditional hanging tassels and flowers, complemented by embroidered Khussas. Male teachers and students wore Shalwar Kameez, Kurta Dhoti and traditional turbans.

The seating arrangements were also traditional as cots and carpets replaced chairs, providing a culturally immersive learning environment.

Schools showcased traditional Punjabi artefacts, including hukas, and teachers brought in decorated chairs and beds from their homes. Students sang Punjabi folk songs, including Heer and verses from Baba Bulleh Shah and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. Teachers also narrated traditional Punjabi tales to the students.

Classrooms and corridors were decked with Punjab-themed decorations, fostering a culturally rich heritage. While traditional Punjabi food such as cornbread and lassi were omitted due to Ramazan, however, primary class students were treated to green cornbread, sweet lassi, and pickles.

Students also took part in traditional Punjabi games such as Gada, Ludi, and Jumping Rope while teachers also joined them in games like Pathar kay getay and Bara Goti.

On the day, educators stressed the significance of imparting cultural awareness to students and speaking in the native Punjabi language. CEO of the District Education Authority, Yasin Baloch, hailed the success of the cultural day across all government schools, where students learned about Punjab's poetry, folklore, and Sufism.

Divisional President of the All Pakistan Clerks Association, Chaudhary Mubasher Ahmed, highlighted the enthusiastic participation of non-teaching staff in traditional attire.

Students expressed delight at the opportunity to immerse themselves in Punjabi culture, with many cherishing the experience of wearing traditional attire for the first time. They advocated for more frequent celebrations of cultural days to foster cultural appreciation and pride among students and staff alike.

Secretary General of Educators Association Akhian Tahir Gul said that Punjab Cultural Day is celebrated to keep the culture alive among the children.

Speaking on the occasion, a student Kumail Hassan said that it was fun to wear a dhoti for the first time in his life. It was also delightful to converse in Punjabi with teachers and fellow students.