Something for everyone: Express Family Festival enthrals young and old alike

Karachiites thronging the event enjoy shopping, games, food, and music gala.

KARACHI:

Painted face, hands full of shopping bags and memorable moments with family is the real feel of the two-day family festival, organised by the Express Media Group.

Children with their parents and grandfathers enjoyed the rides and delicious food at the last day of the festival. The second day of the Express Family Festival 2015 took off with the singing and dance competition with the audience.

“It is the best festival and I don’t want to go home,” said four-year-old Muhammad Osama, who was enjoying the festival with his grandmother. “I am very tired because we are here since morning but Osama is enjoying still,” Osama’s grandmother Haseena Bibi said while sitting on the floor. “Such festivals should happen it’s very good for children,” she added.

Thirteen-year-old Hassaan Akmal and his younger sister were trying to learn the magic tricks which Arshad Ashraf was showing at his stall. “I have more than 400 magic tricks here, some of them are also for sale,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.

Playing snake ladder game formed on the floor of the stall of Quice ice-cream syrup, Wajeeha Nafees struggled to complete her level to win prizes. “This is my favorite game that is why I played,” she said showing a gift pack in her hand.

Climbing the stairs again and again sliding from the blue jumping castle, three-year-old Mehreen was delighted to spend time with her family at the festival. “Our kids enjoy such rides because these are not available everywhere for free,” Mehreen’s mother said excitedly.

“Give us your picture and 300 rupees and we will print it on a mug,” shouted Jahanzaib Ali at his stall. These prints are long-lasting and washable; it only takes ten minutes to print the picture on any mug of your choice, informed Ali who was the owner of the stall.

After the ongoing law and order situation, our city needs festivals like this, family time makes us and our minds relax, suggested a resident of Saddar who enjoyed his weekend at the family festival. “Family festivals are always a chance to rejoice freely,” he smiled.

The less crowded halls were of real marketing where the only interesting activity was at the stall of ‘Mateen Shopping Gallery’, where people were free to come up and sing national songs and win gifts including mobile phones.

The festival attracted people from all walks of life including children, mothers, teachers and youngsters. The kids’ favourite areas were only two: play area and food court. The aroma of the delicious barbeque and biryani will never leave you hungry just as the beautifully presented Chinese food calls you to satisfy your hunger. “The food is yum, and the best part is the variety of different cuisines at one platform,” expressed Arshia Rizvi eating ‘Gol Gappa’ with her sister.

“Women are more inclined towards shopping and food and that’s what Express has done the best,” said Maher Saeed, mother of two.

Karachi bikers stole the interest of young boys with more than 30 sports bikes at display. “This Kawasaki Z1000 is a beauty,” said Adnan Riaz. That crowd was pushing just to have a glance at the green and grey bike or just to touch it.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2015.