LAHORE: Alhamra was a happening place on Wednesday where illuminations were sparkling as two events - Baloch culture day and storytelling - attracted a large audience.

The Baloch Cultural Day was a marvellous event celebrated with traditional enthusiasm. To mark the day, the Lahore Arts Council, under the banners of the Department of Information and Culture, organised a grand colourful event based on Balochistan’s captivating culture to promote provincial harmony and national unity. The stage was bedecked with flowers where Balochi singers enthralled the audiences. There were vocal and instrumental performances at the event.

The event featured famous sword dances of Balochistan, such as Dastarbandi, Ziam Daris, Narsur, Jhoomar, folk songs, and others.

Executive Director of Alhamra Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi said that concrete steps were being taken to promote the beautiful culture of the provinces.

“Our beautiful areas and culture belong to distinctive historical traditions and have got a distinction in the contemporary world,” he said.

Zulfi said that Balochistan has excellent traditions, and its centuries-old fascinating culture can attract anyone. “Alhamra represents Punjab and all cultures of Pakistan. The colours of peace, love, sacrifice, brotherhood, and solidarity are definitely prominent.”

The full participation of the public enhanced the beauty of the cultural show. Visitors appreciated the arrangements to mark the Baloch Cultural Day as best possible.

The other event was of storytelling by Badar Khan. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the tale of Lahore narrated by the storyteller. The story revealed how Lahore was the crossroads of different cultures and how beautiful and serene a place it was.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2022