Revival of heritage: Art festival breathes life into Gor Gathri

VIP protocol leaves visitors locked outside the venue

PESHAWAR: A two-day arts and crafts festival at Gor Gathri arranged by the Directorate of Culture gave the city’s residents a rare opportunity to leave their houses for a weekend of entertainment.

The festival kicked off on Friday with a khattak dance which attracted a rave response from visitors. A series of performances by attan dancers and musicians from across the province were also received with much applause.

Two vintage fire engines from 1919 and 1921 which had been repaired in 2013 were also on display. However, their maintenance remains an issue as they are parked under the open sky. Even visitors expressed their concerns that not enough was being done to protect the historic vehicles.

People gather outside the closed gates of Gor Gathri. PHOTOS: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS

A large number of stalls offering food, vinyl records, pottery, jewellery, clothes, handicrafts and woodworks dotted the venue. A majority of stalls were set up at Sarai Jahanabad which was commissioned by the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1641 when she came to the city. She wanted the area to feature roadside inns to accommodate travellers passing through.

Promoting art

“The purpose of the festival is to promote the arts and encourage talented and creative people in the province to continue working hard,” said Sardar Ali, a pottery artist, who set up a stall to display his work.  “Since the event has been held inside the city, a number of people will be encouraged to visit,” he added.

Muhammad Yousuf, a straw crafts maker, who brought his work from Mardan to be displayed at the festival, said the initiative will highlight the culture of the province. “Although there might not be enough business, the festival will encourage us to keep
our work alive.”

Left out

The festival was organised amid tight security as government officials were also attending the event. Many people were unable to enter the venue as security guards closed the gates of Gor Gathri.

A large number of people had gathered outside the gates for the festival. However, they were unable to enter the premises due to strict security arrangements made by police officials and mismanagement by officials of the culture department.

“We were ordered to close the gates to prevent any untoward situation or breach of security,” the security in charge told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2015.