PESHAWAR: A five-day Hunar Mela kicked off on Friday to showcase handicrafts made by artisans from across the country.

A statement issued here said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Destination Heritage Greens Peshawar and Hunar Zone have jointly organised the event.

Inaugurating the gala, secretary department of tourism, culture, archaeology and museums Mohammad Bakhtiar Khan said that participation in such exhibitions provided skilled women working from home an opportunity to showcase their talents to the world.

He said that the inclusion of skilled women in the Hunar Mela was a welcome step. “The department of tourism and culture along with KPCTA would organise more programmes to support these artisans,” he added.

Destination Heritage Greens general manager Sajjad Abbasi, Hunar Zone director Urooj Hamdani, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rabia Basri, and other prominent figures were also present.

The stalls displaying paintings by various students, handmade items by prisoners, and crafts from Swat, Hazara, Bahawalpur and other districts were set up at the fair.

A musical evening featuring a live performance by the Jam Boys has also been scheduled during the Hunar Mela.

The artwork of students has also been included in the event.

Entry is free for women and families.

The participants praised the organisers for arranging such an opportunity for the artisans from different districts with a platform to present their crafts to the world.

Stalls at the Hunar Mela include items crafted by prisoners, Swati Shawls, Hazara embroidery, mizri (woven art), wax-based crafts, food stalls, women’s clothing and leather goods.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024