Nafisa Tapal’s arrangement, depicting the theme ‘Living on the world’s edge’, which won the first prize. PHOTO COURTESY: WAFA
The flower show was arranged by the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA), a non-profit organisation of floral art societies, which was founded in 1981 to create and strengthen bonds between its various member countries and promote an exchange of information concerning floral art and allied interests. The annual flower show — which had over 20,000 visitors this year from places as far off as Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Peru, South Africa, even Uruguay and South Korea — is one of the several avenues through which the initiative seeks to achieve its goals.
Farha Aquil’s arrangement, depicting the theme ‘Trifles and Treasure’, which won the first prize. PHOTO COURTESY: WAFA
This year, the historical venue provided a grand stage to over 600 contestants from 31 countries, including 60 Pakistanis, to display their floral arrangement skills. Each contestant had five hours to create their arrangement, the exhibits for which were divided into 33 categories, including several segments for the younger participants as well. The job was even tougher for Paul Duggen, who was entrusted with supplying the specific list of flowers and foliage requested by each participant.
The 42 judges from 18 member countries, including Naushaba Khalil from Pakistan, had the Herculean task of picking out the best from each category. And Pakistan managed to shine in several of the categories.
Aamna Adil’s arrangement for ‘Best Junior Exhibit’. PHOTO COURTESY: WAFA
Shahimah Sayeed bagged the special award for best use of texture in the entire show. Sayeed, along with Nafisa Tapal, Farah Aquil and Monazza Jamal also received the first prize in their respective classes while the latter managed to bag award for the best petite exhibit as well. Commendations were awarded to Sofia Javed, Irum Kamran, Fehmida Hashmi, Khadija Jamal, Riffat Shaheen and Muleika Sayeed. The young competitors were not too far behind and also brought back laurels. The best junior exhibit was awarded to Aamna Adil while the first prize went to Maryam Bangash. Commendations were also awarded to Anum Feroz and Rafay Ali Khan.
Munazza Jamal’s entry for the ‘Best Petite Exhibit’. PHOTO COURTESY: WAFA
“Hearing Pakistan’s name at the award ceremony was a source of great pride,” says Kamran. “It was great to show the world that we are also blossoming as a nation.”
Shivika Gupta’s arrangement, depicting the theme ‘Round & Round the seasons go’, won the second prize. PHOTO COURTESY: WAFA
The next WAFA show, which is scheduled to take place in Barbados in 2017, promises to be an equally rosy affair.
Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, September 7th, 2014.
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Wowww....i haven't heard abt it before.