TAXILA: The traditional cultural show, including horse dance, stone lifting and folk music, enthralled Islamabad-based diplomats and their families during the 11th orange festival organised by Zaildar family led by Syed Zaheer Shah and Syed Ahsan Shah on Sunday.

Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Mohammad Afridi was chief guest on the occasion.

The folk and traditional dancing of tamed horses on the tune of drums, raising their front feet to present their salute, besides lifting stone weighing to 120 kilogrammes, a game of warriors to prove their menship were the centre of attraction for the diplomats and their families which they admired.

Folk music comprising Qawalis brings spirituality to the event in which local and foreign guests dance on the tunes of tabla with folk verses of “Dam Dam Ali Ali”.

Addressing the participants, the deputy chairman Senate said that cultural diplomacy can play a pivotal role to promote the historic and rich heritage of the country at the international level. He said activities like the orange festival are an excellent way to bring the diplomatic community closer to culture, history and people of Pakistan. He said time has come for Pakistan to promote this treasurer and introduce its unique orange and mango through exhibitions across the globe.

Dean of the diplomatic corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov termed the event historic. He said Pakistan is blessed with four seasons with scenic valleys in the north besides rich cultural heritage like Gandhara civilisation making it valuable among the world community.

He said that events like the orange festival would not only play an important role in promoting the soft image of the country but would also provide opportunities for diplomats to better understand Pakistani culture.

Earlier, Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Member Advisory Board Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future, spoke about the rich cultural heritage, work of master craftsmen and black stone carvers, the world famous red blood orange of Khanpur and exploration of footprints of Buddha at over two dozen sacred sites of Gandhara civilisation.

“There are over 30 sacred historical sites located in the area and efforts are being made to declare Taxila as ‘World Heritage City”.

He said that the orange festival provides a window to the diverse cultural heritage and showcases the real Pakistan to the world community.

Talking to newsmen, Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lankahas, said that relations between Colombo and Islamabad were deep-rooted. He said holy Buddha’s relics were taken from Taxila museum and exhibited in holy places across Sri Lanka while a number of Buddhist monks have paid pilgrimage visits to Taxila and other Buddhist sites. He added that Colombo is keen to expand cultural relations with Islamabad and plans to expand religious tourism in future.

Nepal’s Ambassador Tapas Adhikari said that being Saarc member, we can share each other’s experiences to promote tourism. He was of the view that Pakistan has rich potential in adventure tourism and in this connection Nepal is ready to extend its cooperation.

Responding to a question, he said Pakistan must enhance its tourist facilities, ensure easy visa processes and infrastructure development in the northern areas to fetch more mountaineers from across the globe.

Czech Ambassador Ladislav Steinhübel said Pakistan has unique and diverse culture and hospitality that are showcased through events such as the orange festival. He said such events should be held on a regular basis because these could be an opportunity for the diplomatic community to get familiarised with the culture, traditions and soft side of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2024