Under the auspices of its Cultural Diplomacy programme, Serena Hotel, in collaboration with Nomad Gallery, held a two day Craft Festival which aimed to give economic empowerment to those who showcased their crafts. The event was held in the Bazaar Court and featured art and crafts from around Pakistan, in particular from the Northern Areas. This festival has become a yearly feature and gives residents of the sister cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad an opportunity to not only see the beautiful craft items that are produced in Pakistan but also for them to buy gifts for this holiday season. You can pick up something really nice for a reasonable sum either to give or keep for yourself!
Though there are many craft shops in both cities, this festival showcased a few special items that are not generally found in the market - while the atmosphere of the venue had a great deal to do with its success as visitors got to view all the collectible items under one roof and that too in comfort - away from the hustle and bustle of the bazaar. It was also a pleasure to see women behind some counters - many of them artisans who proudly showcase their skills at this annual event to appreciative persons.
Besides items of wear like caftans and beautifully embroidered shawls, there was a variety of edible items - like honey and dried fruit from Hunza - to choose from. Indigenous home decoration items like door and wall hangings make an unusual gift and were much appreciated. It was an opportunity missed for those who could not make it as there was the added attraction of the seasons decorations like the Christmas tree and others like a reindeer drawn sled which have been put up by the hotel management in the main lobby - which luckily will still be there when the festival was over on Sunday.