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The Colors of Thar

May 14, 2017

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A stall showcasing antiques and cultural shawls which attracted many people at the festivals.

Minister for Culture and Tourism Sindh, Syed Sardar Shah, visited Taanka stall. He appreciated the work of the artisans and commended the efforts of the program teams to promote the cultural handicrafts. He added that such events will bring back harmony and cultural spirit in the area which has been badly affected by the inequalities of life.

A musical concert was also conducted where a large audience enjoyed cultural tunes.

Local artist playing musical instruments to entertain Festival participants.

A range of products were exhibited, which attracted many customers, including handicrafts, apparel, jewelry, tote bags and clutches and home décor.

The festival was very rich in terms of diverse activities, colorful stalls and participation of people, as some of the participants wore cultural clothes to promote their traditions and culture they follow.

Children trying out necklaces and bangles at the Community World Service Asia stall.

Community World Service Asia participated in Thar & Parkar Festival to promote the handicrafts of artisans of Thatta and Umerkot.

The handmade apparels, hand bags and clutches were most popular amongst the customers.

The Sindh Culture and Tourism Department organized a two-day “Thar and Parker Festival” at the historical Umerkot Fort from the 24th – 25th of March. The various arts and crafts of the culturally rich Thar were put on display on a number of stalls at the vibrant festival. Apparel, rillies, handbags, fancy clutches, jewelry and other handmade crafts were on display and for sale. The entertaining event featured cultural activities such as camel and horse races, folk musical concerts and standing stalls of delicious local food.

The festival was inaugurated by Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Minister of Culture and Tourism in Sindh. “This festival will show the more beautiful facets of our rich desert which has formerly remained hidden as the region has predominantly been known for its natural disasters and subsequent deaths of children,” announced Mr. Shah. He added that such events will bring back harmony and a cultural spirit to the region which has suffered consistently in the past. Dost Mohammad Rahimoon, MPA Sindh, also present at the inauguration ceremony added, “The festival will provide a forum to people to showcase their rich culture and traditions for the entire world to see.”

Local artisans of Umerkot, along with Community World Service Asia staff, participated at the event, showcasing and promoting their handicrafts from Umerkot and Thatta. A range of products including casual apparel, jewelry and other home accessories produced under the brand “Taanka” were exhibited for sale at the festival. A large number of people visited the stall and watched the artisans hand make some of the products “live”. Syed Sardar Shah, also paid visited the Taanka stall and appreciated the quality work of the artisans that stood out among the many stalls at the festival.

Women from near and far villages, attended the event and were very happy to see a large variety of cultural apparels and antiques at the stalls. Families enjoyed tableau and the many music and theatre shows being performed by local communities and theater groups. Folk musician sang and entertained audiences at the festival for hours and received much applause and cheers. The festival ended with sparkling, large fireworks on the second day, lightening the lives of the people of Thar with color, happiness and celebration.