Bohra Festival highlights community's skills, entrepreneurship

Event enables vendors to promote their businesses

KARACHI:

A festival celebrating the traditions and entrepreneurial skills of Pakistan's Dawoodi Bohra community was held at a Dolmen mall in Karachi, showcasing handmade crafts, traditional clothing, food and everyday household products.

The event provided a platform for local vendors, particularly women, to display their work, connect with customers and promote small businesses built around their creative skills.

Products on display included embroidered garments, crochet bags, handmade accessories, children's clothing, bedding and other household items. Food and homemade delicacies were also featured, reflecting the diversity of businesses operating within the community.

Handcrafted work is closely associated with Bohra culture, particularly the rida, a distinctive two-piece outer garment worn by women. Often decorated with embroidery, lace, appliqué and crochet, the garment combines traditional modesty with individual expression. Handmade craftsmanship is also reflected in men's traditional clothing and crocheted caps.

For some women, these skills have developed into long-term business ventures. Sakina Burhan uddin, who runs Nafees Apparels, said she had been working in the shawl business for several years and had recently expanded into a new product category.

A community vendor said families encouraged women to develop their talents and pursue business opportunities.

"There is no distinction between girls and boys when it comes to developing their skills. Husbands support their wives after marriage, fathers encourage their daughters, and brothers support their sisters," she said.

Idris Kotari, another member of the Bohra community, said events bringing vendors and customers together could help small businesses grow.