Students perform a traditional dance during the Culture Day celebrations at Gordon College in Rawalpindi while the other picture shows poets presenting their poetry at Rawalpindi Arts Council on Monday. — Photo by Mohammad Asim
Students perform a traditional dance during the Culture Day celebrations at Gordon College in Rawalpindi while the other picture shows poets presenting their poetry at Rawalpindi Arts Council on Monday. — Photo by Mohammad Asim

RAWALPINDI/TAXILA: Punjab Culture Day was observed in the garrison city on Monday. The main function was held at the Gordon Graduate College under a collaborative arrangement between the college administration and the Punjabi Parchar, a non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the Punjabi culture and language. Drama skits, musical performances, poetry recitations, cultural dances, and displays of traditional dresses and cuisine were the highlights of the event.

Another event was organised at Government Graduate College B Block Satellite Town. Colourful stalls were installed, showcasing the hard work of students and teachers.

In light of the day, the Fine Arts Department highlighted Punjabi culture, using a beautiful truck model. It also displayed the rural culture of Punjab. The Home Economics Department also set up food stalls.

Separately, the Rawalpindi Arts Council organised an event in connection with the Culture Day. Information and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan was the chief guest.

The arts council organised various programmes, painting competitions, musical events, and regional dances to celebrate the event. A painting competition was also held at Punjab Arts Council. Rubina Khalid, Shanze Noreen and Hina Zaman took first, second, and third positions, respectively, and were awarded cash prizes of Rs10,000, Rs7,000, and Rs5,000 and certificates of appreciation.

Attock celebrations

A number of events were organised in various parts of the Attock district, featuring horse dancing, regional dance, folk songs, and stalls selling traditional food and clothing. Stalls decorated with traditional and cultural items from different areas were set up in various schools were the centre of attraction among visitors.

Students, teachers, and government officials participated in the festivities, donning traditional clothes. Men wore dhoti-kurtas, khussas, and colourful turbans, while women were dressed in shalwar kameez, lehengas, and dupattas, paired with traditional footwear like pumpi jutti. Many also used cultural accessories like surma and dandasa, taking price in the practices of ancestors.

A ceremony was also held at the district council in which Additional Deputy Commissioner General Anil Saeed was the guest. The local administration, educational institutions, civil society, and citizens actively participated in the celebrations.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2025

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