Envoys, people visit KP Pavilion

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pavilion pulled general public and foreign envoys, including European Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and enjoyed the traditional and cultural music and cuisines. 

As a token of appreciation, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) presented them with traditional shawls.

During their visit, they commended the craftsmanship of KP artisans and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by KPCTA.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Lok Mela, the KPCTA has set up an impressive pavilion, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Organized by the National Heritage and Culture Division, the 10-day festival features stalls from KP, Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and other countries.

The KP Pavilion showcased the work of over 50 artisans from districts including Abbottabad, Hazara, Dera Ismail Khan, Charsadda, Haripur, Mardan, Peshawar, Chitral, and Swat. The pavilion features 30 handicraft and cultural stalls along with traditional foods such as sobat, painda, chapli kebab, tikka boti, chicken boti, mutton karahi, amrasa and Charsadda rice.

A special segment of the pavilion is the traditional Kalash dance performances by men and women from the Kalash Valley, which have captivated attendees.

The purpose of participating in this national-level festival is to promote provincial culture and tourism and send a positive message about KP’s rich cultural and traditional heritage.

Visitors to the pavilion are enjoying various regional cuisines at food stalls. The famous Qissa Khwani Bazaar and the qehwa khana (tea house) is one of the main attractions, where visitors can learn about KP’s history while savouring traditional green tea. The pavilion also displays traditional items such as clay pots, Mughal art, Charsadda sandals, woodwork, stone and glass carvings, Hazara embroidery and bags, Swati shawls, truck art, stone mosaic art, calligraphy, dried fruits, sugarcane juice and other traditional crafts. Videos and documentaries showcasing various tourist destinations are being screened.

A special section has been dedicated to the Kalash tribe, where their unique culture and traditional dances are being exhibited.