PESHAWAR, Feb 25: A weeklong artisans-at-work mela showcasing traditional handicrafts and cuisine started on Friday here at Nishtar Hall. The Huner Mela, organised by Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attracted a large number of people on its first day as light drizzle enhanced the taste of traditional cuisines at food stalls.

Live music, artisans-at-work and their products and children play area were the other attractions at the venue.

“The products prepared by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa artisans have never been brought into open like this.

It is a great treat for those who love our province,” said students volunteering to guide and welcome the visitors at the festival.

Set up in a traditional style a Kehwakhana was offering Kehwa (green tea) to the visitors while many were attracted to a Kalash house, displaying Kalash dresses.

The stalls displayed included wood carving (Swat), metal work, wax printing, stone carving, Bannu Khaddi, embroidery, lacquer art, Peshawar handicraft, Shaari Khaddi, Swati shawl Phulkari, Charsadda chappal (shoe), Charsada Khaddar, Swati Khaddi, Quroshia work, Hazara Phulkari, Moti work, Hazara Jisti Shawl, pottery work, Parunay Dandas (traditional veil), Karawa work, Maizaray work, Drooza Chappal, Gandhara art, Chitrali Patti, Sitar making, ring making and calligraphy.

The food stalls offered Tikkah Karahi, Chappal Kabab, Katawa, Suhbat, Saag, Jawar and Lassi, Jawar Bat Ninay, Rajger sweet, Khajoor Halwa and Badauni sweet.

A hujra with traditional setting also presented culture and tradition of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.