Kashmir Solidarity Day: Traditional celebrations reign high at Lok Virsa

Stall-holders flaunted embroidered Kashmiri fabric and shawls, traditional jewellery, for women.

ISLAMABAD:

Scores of families thronged to a cultural festival marking the Kashmir Solidarity Day at Lok Virsa on Sunday. They browsed through colourful stalls, taking in the sights and sounds of the picturesque valley.

On the walls hung, banners inscribed with images and slogans expressing support with the Kashmiris in their plight. The stall-holders flaunted embroidered Kashmiri fabric and shawls, traditional jewellery, paintings, tie-and-dye suits for women. The handicrafts were prepared by Azad Kashmir Small Industries Corporation. Meanwhile, customers could be seen haggling for stationery and dry fruit from Hunza. “I bought a bag of dry fruit and a traditional shawl and love the thick embroidery on it,” said Jean, a foreigner at the festival.

Music lovers were treated to folk singing by local Kashmiri artists in the open air auditorium, while children took small mechanical rides. People could be seen enjoying delicacies like Kashmiri pulao under the clear sky. The National Heritage Museum and Pakistan Monument Museum also remained open throughout the day as 50 per cent discount was offered on the ticket. “We rarely get to go out as a family and entertainment has become so expensive, but this has been a fun day for my children,” said a father of four.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2012.