A child's journey through Gandhara lights up the past
For 11-year-old Palwasha Bibi, stepping into globe's lone Gandhara Art Peshawar Museum felt like traveling through time where every ancient sculpture whispered stories from a forgotten world. Her blue eyes lit up as she wandered through the towering statues of Buddha, mesmerised by the ancient stories carved into stones.
For the first time in her life, she stood face-to-face with the heritage she had only read about and it was all free, courtesy of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's Independence Day initiative. In celebration of the 78th Independence Day, the Department of Archaeology and Museums has thrown open the doors of its historic treasures of Ghandhara art to the public.
From August 1st to 14th, entry to all provincial museums and archaeological sites across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is completely free, sparking a wave of excitement among locals, students, tourists, archaeologists and culture enthusiasts.
Among the sites welcoming visitors are the famed Peshawar museum and city museum Sethi House, Pushkalavati museum in Charsadda, Mardan museum, Dir museum, Chakdara archaeological museum, Saidu Sharif museum Swat, Kalasha Dur museum in Chitral, and Bannu museum.
Additionally, a host of archaeological marvels including Takht-i-Bhai, Jamal Garhi, Shabaz Garhi, Butkara-1, Saidu Sharif Stupa, Ashoka Rock Edicts in Mansehra, Ranigat in Buner, and others are welcoming visitors free of charge.
"Seeing the rare artefacts and statues of Buddha made me feel like I was part of those ancient times," Palwasha told APP. With her voice filled with wonder, her reflections echo the sentiments of many visitors who are rediscovering the richness of their region's heritage.
"We should showcase these treasures abroad through digital media," Palwasha suggested, while making video of a Bhuddha statue. "It will attract more tourists and help people around the world learn about our rich history." Her suggestion aligns with emerging global trends.
Experts believe that digital transformation can unlock new opportunities for the province's museums and increase foreign exchange. "Digital storytelling can connect us with international communities and bring in heritage lovers who may never physically visit," said an archaeologist at the museum.
"This museum is not just a building; it's a window into our Ghandhara civilisation," said Bakhtzada Khan, Assistant Director at the Department of Archaeology and Museums. "Its restoration has transformed it into a vibrant destination where history comes alive."
As night falls, the Peshawar museum takes on a magical aura. Its facade glows with soft, colourful lights, attracting evening visitors and photography enthusiasts. This multidimensional experience has turned the museum into a living cultural space, not just a relic of the past.
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A child's journey through Gandhara lights up the past
Under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's Independence Day initiative, Palwasha Bibi personally experienced free of cost the heritage she had only read about. photos: file For 11-year-old Palwasha Bibi, stepping into globe's lone Gandhara Art Peshawar Museum felt like traveling through time where every ancient sculpture whispered stories from a forgotten world. Her blue eyes lit up as she wandered through the towering statues of Buddha, mesmerised by the ancient stories carved into stones. For the first time in her life, she stood face-to-face with the heritage she had only read about and it was all free, courtesy of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's Independence Day initiative. In celebration of the 78th Independence Day, the Department of Archaeology and Museums has thrown open the doors of its historic treasures of Ghandhara art to the public. From August 1st to 14th, entry to all provincial museums and archaeological sites across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is completely free, sparking a wave of excitement among locals, students, tourists, archaeologists and culture enthusiasts. Among the sites welcoming visitors are the famed Peshawar museum and city museum Sethi House, Pushkalavati museum in Charsadda, Mardan museum, Dir museum, Chakdara archaeological museum, Saidu Sharif museum Swat, Kalasha Dur museum in Chitral, and Bannu museum. Additionally, a host of archaeological marvels including Takht-i-Bhai, Jamal Garhi, Shabaz Garhi, Butkara-1, Saidu Sharif Stupa, Ashoka Rock Edicts in Mansehra, Ranigat in Buner, and others are welcoming visitors free of charge. "Seeing the rare artefacts and statues of Buddha made me feel like I was part of those ancient times," Palwasha told APP. With her voice filled with wonder, her reflections echo the sentiments of many visitors who are rediscovering the richness of their region's heritage. "We should showcase these treasures abroad through digital media," Palwasha suggested, while making video of a Bhuddha statue. "It will attract more tourists and help people around the world learn about our rich history." Her suggestion aligns with emerging global trends. Experts believe that digital transformation can unlock new opportunities for the province's museums and increase foreign exchange. "Digital storytelling can connect us with international communities and bring in heritage lovers who may never physically visit," said an archaeologist at the museum. "This museum is not just a building; it's a window into our Ghandhara civilisation," said Bakhtzada Khan, Assistant Director at the Department of Archaeology and Museums. "Its restoration has transformed it into a vibrant destination where history comes alive." As night falls, the Peshawar museum takes on a magical aura. Its facade glows with soft, colourful lights, attracting evening visitors and photography enthusiasts. This multidimensional experience has turned the museum into a living cultural space, not just a relic of the past.
