Winter bazaar: Residents spend a fun-filled day with crafts, food and knowledge

Around 45 food and crafts stalls were set up where about 20 young entrepreneurs exhibited their works

ISLAMABAD: A high-spirited group of individuals from the capital got together on Sunday to spend a fun day under the sun. They were hosting an annual fund raiser, ‘Sahil Winter Bazaar’, to learn about the rights of children while enjoying crafts and homemade Pakistani delicacies.

Close to 45 food and crafts stalls were set up where about 20 young entrepreneurs from all over Pakistan exhibited some of the admirable crafts which could not be purchased from just any regular shop in the capital.

Home-based businesses from Karachi to Lahore and Chitral displayed various hand-stitched and embroidered items. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY

The event also worked as a mass Sunday brunch, with parathas, Haleem, Afghani pulao, burgers and brownies pulling in the largest crowds.

Children’s educational stalls were also set up for children, with educational games and a knowledge centre that mixed games with learning techniques. Games for children between two to twelve years of age included enhanced motor skills, arts and crafts, and use to all five senses in various ways. Literature and books on children’s rights by Sahil were also present for at the reading corner.

Hisber, who was in charge of the knowledge centre, said children were figuring out new things that motivated them to play and learn at the same time. “We want children to learn. Knowledge should be fun and that’s how they should perceive this as well” he said.

Home-based businesses from Karachi to Lahore and Chitral displayed hand-stitched and embroidered items, digital cushion covers, vibrant truck art items and traditional shawls. The Craft Company from Karachi had brought their miniature Mughal and traditional motifs on home accessories. Other special items made of brass on display were praiseworthy.

Home-based businesses from Karachi to Lahore and Chitral displayed various hand-stitched and embroidered items. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY

Some treats from all over Pakistan included special honey from Chitral and bees wax candles by Naheed Aftab from Candle Works, Karachi.

“These things you cannot get in any local shop in Islamabad” Said Nilofar Qazi, one of the organisers of the event. She added that the bazaar was a good opportunity for both entrepreneurs as well as Sahil, the children’s NGO.



She said home-based businesses got an opportunity to exhibit their merchandise while also raising funds for a good cause, adding that all the profits from the food and a certain percentage of sales of the other crafts will be given to help end child sexual abuse in Pakistan.

The event also had a raffle ticket and other prizes for participants.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2014.