LAHORE, April 3: People from all walks of life thronged the opening of a two-day Gypsy Festival at the Children Library Complex (near China Chowk) here on Tuesday.

Enjoying the festival by dancing to the traditional gypsy drumbeat and the Indian and Pakistani songs, the young visitors demanded that the government ensure provision of all rights to the gypsy families living in squalid conditions in Pakistan.The festival has been organised by Grassroot Organization for Human Development (Godh), a not-for-profit non-government entity, in association with the Social Welfare Department of the City District Government of Lahore.

“We are here to enjoy the festival as we are free now after hectic examination schedule. Such festivals are the need of the hour in these days of oppression,” Arif, a student, told this reporter. He urged the government to pay attention to the problems of the gypsies for whom the festival was arranged.

On the first day, more than 60 stalls displayed crafts, handmade garments and toys made by gypsies. “We should at least promote the items such as paper toys and handmade garments etc., by the gypsies by displaying them at such local events as well as international exhibitions,” Ms Firdaus, a visitor, said.

She said the gypsies were hardworking as well as intelligent people despite the fact they were being denied the basic education and health rights.

Godh's Executive Director Nazir Ahmad Ghazi told this reporter that the objective of the festival was to promote the gypsies' handmade items and raise awareness about their rights.

“Gypsies are the most neglected segment in our society. They are the people who are living along the sea, rivers, canals and open places of the country without electricity or any other facility. We should not only encourage their work but also work for providing them all rights as citizens of Pakistan,” Mr Ghazi said.

He said more stalls carrying gypsies' products would be placed in the festival on Wednesday (today). He said Chief Minister' Adviser Zakia Shahnawaz, while inaugurating the festival, assured the Godh administration and the gypsy community of initiatives to safeguard their rights.