Breath of fresh air: Kohat residents welcome spring at festival

Pakistan Army and TCKP join hands to host two-day gala.

PESHAWAR: A two-day long festival to celebrate the arrival of spring concluded in Kohat on Monday. The event was put together by the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the 9th Division of the Pakistan Army at Kohat Garrison.

K-P’s cultural representation remained a vivid part of the festival which was packed to capacity. Visitors were treated to musical and dance performances throughout the event. Dancers moved to the beats of folk music in the Khattak and Mehsud Betani dance styles. Children donned Punjabi, Sindhi, Gilgiti and Chitrali outfits and walked the stage.

Speaking on the occasion, TCKP MD Muhammad Mushtaq Khan said the event served the dual purpose of providing locals with a breath of fresh air and fostering Pakistani culture.

Women entrepreneurs were also provided with an opportunity to set up stalls of handicrafts, readymade garments, hand-woven traditional dresses and culinary delights of different parts of the country.

The highlights of the festival were performances by Pashto band Khumariyaan and renowned singer Zeek Afridi. The encore display of skill by the instrumental ensemble, which has gained acclaim at the Pakistani music scene, left the audience craving for more. Afridi sang most of his hit numbers and another band, Sakan, played devotional semi-classical tunes that set the tone of the closing day.

Local performers from Kohat and adjoining districts also got their share of the limelight, much to the delight of an enthusiastic audience.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2015.