BAHAWALPUR, April 8: A painting contest among schoolchildren was the main attraction for the people who thronged the Bahawalpur Museum to participate in the three-day Bahar Festival which began here Friday night. Around 400 students from various schools took part in the contest on the theme, ‘Cultural life of Cholistan’, museum director Hafiz Hussain Ahmed Madni said, and added that a judges’ panel would select 10 best paintings for prizes.

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition was organized as part of the festival on Saturday. Most of the photos exhibited were related to the days of former Bahawalpur state and its ruling family headed by late Sir Sadiq Muhamed Khan Abbasi.

Rahim Yar Khan District Nazim Sardar Rafiq Haider Leghari, who inaugurated the festival, said on the occasion that more funds would be secured for the preservation of area’s culture, civilisation and traditions with the collaboration of the museum.

Museum Friends’ head Malik Habibullah said the festival was aimed at highlighting Cholistan’s history and culture. Organising committee chief Nasim Jaffery also spoke.

A flower show, Food Street, a puppet show and a music programme were also arranged to entertain the visitors.