Festival breathes life into centuries-old culture
The Gandhara Cultural Festival brought Pakistan's ancient heritage to life, celebrating the legacy of the Gandhara civilisation while promoting eco-tourism.
The festival featured a grand exhibition of Gandhara artefacts, including sculptures, coins, pottery, paintings, and photography exhibits. Visitors explored the artistic and historical significance of Gandhara's rich legacy, gaining insight into its cultural and historical impact.
The event, followed by the grand launch of the project "Promoting Gandhara's Civilisation and Heritage for Eco-Tourism," marked a significant step in preserving Pakistan's historical treasures and boosting tourism.
One of the main attractions was a Hindu community corner, where visitors were captivated by devotional bhajans performed with traditional musical instruments, symbolising interfaith harmony.
The event was organised by Kurrum Welfare Houses and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP), and at PNCA on Wednesday. Parliamentary Secretary, Farah Naz Akbar inaugurated the festival, commending the initiative for its role in promoting cultural tourism and unity among diverse communities.
"It is heartening to see that stalls from seven different cultural communities are part of this festival, showcasing Pakistan's rich and diverse heritage," she remarked. She also highlighted the government's "Uraan Pakistan" initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which aims to drive national progress through cultural and economic growth.
PPAF CEO, Nadir Gul, emphasised the organisation's commitment to poverty alleviation across 150 districts, providing livelihood opportunities to people of all backgrounds. He highlighted PPAF's initiatives in Chitral and Balochistan, focusing on education, health, and cultural preservation.
PTDC Managing Director, Rana Aftab, underlined the global significance of Gandhara heritage in Peshawar, Swat, and Taxila Valley. He noted that over 500 million Buddhists worldwide consider this region sacred, making it a prime destination for religious tourism.
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