MINGORA: The performers enthralled audience during an event by presenting folk dance and taking part in different traditional games here on Wednesday.

The event was organised by Paiman Alumni Trust in collaboration with culture directorate under Revival of Indigenous Cultural Heritage (RICH) project at International Education Academy in Faizabad. Various stalls of local dresses, shawls, jewellery, food and books were also set up on the occasion.

“I watched many games, which I have not seen before. My teacher told me their names and importance. I liked the games but the folk dances attracted me more,” said Anas Khan, a fifth grader.

Students and children from different areas attended the event. “I met many children and made friendship with them. I enjoyed the traditional games,” said Marwa, a girl student, who was watching hopscotch, locally called Cheendro, a traditional game of children.

Khurshaid Ahmad Khan, principal of a private school, said that their new generation didn’t know about the traditional games. “Traditional games are not only a source of fun but also beneficial for health,” he said, adding that such events should be held regularly so that the new generation could learn about cultural and traditional heritage.

Many young people, who were performing dances, said that Pakhtuns were cultured and civilised people but due to a handful of extremists their image was distorted in the world.

“We send a message to the entire world that we are peaceful and peace-loving people. Our rich cultural heritage and history show that we dislike extremism and love peace,” said Aziz Khan, a young boy.

Neelam Bibi, who was sitting at the stall of cultural dresses, shawls and other stuff, said that she was promoting Swati embroidery, knitting and other skills by displaying her vocational center’s items.

“Many young girls and boys visited our stall and saw our embroidery and other items. It is a better step for promotion of our cultural heritage,” she said.

Students and other people appreciated the event and said that such events should be organised frequently and in every part of the province to revive traditional games and folk dances of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2016