By Jonaid Iqbal
ISLAMABAD: People thronged Lok Virsa on Friday to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Even the pitter patter rain could not dim their spirit to visit the “Solidarity Mela”. The crowd kept growing until sunset.
At about time, the rain grew slightly turning into a torrent, until the news of the loss of lives in twin suicide bombings at Karachi made the festive mood gloomy, and visitors began to leave.
Kashmiri artisans and craftswomen had displayed crafts, handicrafts, embroideries, miniature paintings, papier-mache, wood carvings, metal work, namda, gabba, shawls, children toys, jewellery, decoration pieces and furniture.
Kashmiri cuisines such as gushtaba, tabakmaz, abghosht, palak cooked with meat, (spinach) pink coloured Kashmiri tea were main attractions, giving visitors an opportunity to share the beauty and rich culture of Kashmir.
The Open Air Theatre was packed to capacity with audience listening to patriotic and folk songs, rendered in exquisite melodies by folk and other artists such as Rukhsana Murtaza and Nasir Butt. A group of four musicians played traditional Kashmiri musical instruments such as Rubab, Sarangi, Tampa Kinari, and ghara (clay tumbler).
One pavilion was dedicated to the IDPs forced to leave their home during the 2005 earthquake. Two pavilions offered literature for those interested in the genesis of the Kashmir conflict, a collection of regional ballads including poetry of old and new poets.
Our Reporter from Pindi adds: Students from schools and colleges here on Friday presented tableaus and took part in painting contests at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RCA), highlighting the plight of Kashmiris. The council arranged the competitions in collaboration with the association of private schools to express solidarity with people of Kashmir.
The participants attired in colourful Kashmiri dresses danced to the tunes of national and Kashmiri songs that won applause from the audience.
The Anglo School System got the first prize in the tableau competition, while the RAC administration gave away certificates to all participants.
In the painting and poster competitions, students from schools and colleges depicted the atrocities of Indian forces in their artwork.
The students of Divisional Public School got first three positions. While in the contest among college students Government Degree College for Women Murree Road secured the first two positions. Government Asghar Mall College for Boys obtained third position.
A Kashmiri artist, Z.A. Ghazi also displayed his skills, including paper works and miniature paintings showing Kashmiri culture and traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner of the city said participation of young students in the shows vindicated that the people of Pakistan would never leave their Kashmiri fellows in the lurch and keep on supporting them.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/6/2010
