ISLAMABAD: A number of embassies, local artisans, businesses and food outlets participated in the Asian Lifestyle Fair 2018 held at the Taj Marquee on Saturday.

Islamabad Deputy Mayor Zeeshan Naqvi inaugurated the fair in which The Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, the Embassy of Tajikistan, the High Commission of Bangladesh, the Embassy of Burma and the Embassy of Iran also participated.

A large number of stalls were selling organic dry fruits and honey and many of the stall holders were from Gilgit-Baltistan. Numerous others were selling shawls and stoles and a range of winter wear.

The food court in the small garden outside the main marquee had the typical home made baked goods, biryani and pasta and other snacks. Interestingly, it also had fresh produce available.

A stall holder at the event, Farina Amir said: “The Village Outlet caters to its customers as a family therefore we take care of their health by supplying organic products and juices to them. We deal in fruits, vegetables, organic citrus, desi eggs, multi-grain and pure wheat flour from our farm, pure honey, jaggery, desi ghee and much more. The event is a very good effort for promoting Asian products and it is encouraging local producers and manufacturers. This exposure would be beneficial for us in the future”.

The founder of LettuceBee Kids (LBK), Sarah Adeel said her organisation is a sustainable solution for enriching the lives of street children and reintegrating them into society with dignity.

“Our goal is to create an environment as a transition space for street children before entering formal education that improves their confidence and self-image,” she said.

The stall was selling notebooks and t-shirts which were inspired by artwork of participating children. The artwork developed during LBK education activities was converted into lifestyle products for children.

The attendance at the full-day event was less than one would have imagined at such a large event, due in part to the unusual venue choice. At the same time the choice of venue gave many people the perfect backgrounds and space to take selfies.

A guest at the event Amina Raheem, posed in front of the entrance arch created within the marquee with her friends. She said, “We’ve taken lots of pictures and we’ll stay till after lunch. I’ve already had some chicken corn soup from one of the stalls”.

Another guest, Beenish Aslam said, “I love that we can come to a marquee for something other than a wedding function. It’s such a large hall and this exhibition has so many different stalls. I liked the jewellery and clothes stalls especially and bought some great bargains”.

Music, face painting and activities for children, and snacks to munch on, made the fair a fun family outing even if shopping was not the primary objective. The organizers had arranged dhol beaters at the entrance, heralding the Asian Lifestyles Fair which was hosted by Sakafat Handicraft & Events.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2018