ISLAMABAD: An art and craft bazaar was inaugurated on Sunday which showcased various stalls selling handmade decorative items, paintings and food. Visitors were also entertained with live music on the lawns of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PNCA Director General Fouzia Saeed said the council was committed towards providing opportunities to young artists to showcase their talent.Artists have faced numerous difficulties throughout the past year when the Covid-19 pandemic altered lifestyles which is why the bazaar titled Sunday ke Sunday will be held every week to help them overcome challenges, she said.

After announcing the event open, chief guest Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said cultural activities promoted love and tolerance in society.

“This year we are working with the PNCA to celebrate spring in a big way and we will expand these activities to the local markets and parks,” he said and urged residents of the city to attend such events.

Artists along with visitors described the space as an important platform to highlight the importance of arts to the public.

“It is a good day to be out with the family, especially for children. They had been missing outdoor activities,” said a mother of three children who waited impatiently to get their faces painted.

Families delightfully basked in the spring sun. “We look forward to this weather and enjoy food together, the green lawns of PNCA offer so much,” another visitor Mohammad Abbas said.

Besides handicraft items on display, artists had also exhibited their paintings, calligraphy and abstract images and artists offered to paint visitors’ sketches.

Ms Saeed showed the deputy commissioner around, explaining the concept behind the event and introducing him to artists and artisans.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2021