Richness and diversity of Pakistani culture reflected at Commonwealth Fair in London

London, November 09, 2014 (PPI-OT): Richness and diversity of Pakistani culture reflected at The Commonwealth Fair in London Folk music and dance by Pakistani artists spellbound the audience At the Annual Commonwealth Fair organized by Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) at Kensington Town Hall, London on 8 November 2014, the Pakistan High Commission London put up a colorful and vibrant stall.

With its traditional handicrafts, music, dance, clothes and exotic cuisine, the Pakistani Stall, reflected the richness and diversity of the Pakistani culture and attracted throngs of culture enthusiasts. The goods and souvenirs put on display included a large variety of hand embroidered shawls, bags, cushion covers, throws, bangles, caps and silk coats.

Pakistani cuisine, especially the rice dish Biryani, with its exquisite taste, aroma and presentation, attracted a large number of food lovers. This provided the visitors with a great experience—from food to craft and music to dance.

Musicians, dancers and singers from Pakistan enthralled the visitors with their performance. Pakistani dancers Suniya Qureshi, Maryam Majid Khan and Zulaikha Ali Khan won thunderous applause from the audience. They performed on the famous folk song “Jugni” of renowned Pakistani folk singer Arif Lohar.

Award winning Pakistani violist Sarah Sarhandi played sublime melodies with serene effect on the listeners and was very much liked by the audience. Pakistani rock singers of Paune Paanch music band Saif Malik, Adil Azim, Faizan Baig and Sohail Ajaz charmed their way through the visitors and won well-deserved accolades.

Wife of the High Commissioner, Mrs. Sadaf Abbas, along with the ladies of Pakistan High Commission introduced the visitors to the beautiful handicrafts made by Pakistani women. Syed Ibne Abbas, High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK visited the Pakistani Stall and commended the efforts of the ladies of the High Commission for actively promoting Pakistan’s culture and traditional products through participation in local community events.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, Syed Ibne Abbas said: “Through this Fair we want to send a message to the world about the richness and diversity and beauty of our culture by presenting our music, clothes and cuisine. Not only for the Muslims, but for the Sikhs, the Hindus and the Budhists too our country has a lot of attractions and we would like the tourists from across the world to visit and see the cultural diversity of Pakistan.

Also, we have excellent relations with the Commonwealth and participation in such events would further cement these relations.” The Annual Commonwealth Fair in November is organized by the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) to raise funds for the Education Fund (CCLEF). It gathers support from the Commonwealth countries. The proceeds of the Pakistani Stall were also donated to the CCLEF.

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