Islamabad
With only five days remaining for the Christmas, the Christian community is already in the festive mood as Islamabad residents join them in their celebrations.
The weekend featured many activities organised to join the Christian community in these festivities. The events were attended by people from all walks of life and religions. Major markets, hotels and malls are decorated with Christmas trees and Santa Clausand many shops displayed Christmas-related stuff on special stalls set up in the open.
In this connection, one such event was a Christmas party and annual Christmas bazaar organised by Potohar Organisation of Development Advocacy (PODA). Women from Potohar region brought the handicrafts, including Christmas ornaments, decoration items and other household stuff made at PODA skill centres.
A stall displayed bags and mats made up of recycled material whereas buntings and jewellery made up of papier mache and truck art motives was the favourite of all who visited the bazaar. Diplomats, members of civil society, journalists and members of surrounding communities attended the festival to share the spirit of giving and sharing.
A Christmas tree, Santa Clausand delicious food welcomed the visitors at the bazaar. Special corner with toys and rides was set up where children were entertained themselves with toys, face-painting, Christmas songs and fun games. Santa Claus distributed gifts amongst children and Lynly Butt sang Christmas Carols with the gathering and shared what Christmas is about.
The visitors were impressed with the nicely made handmade stuff. “I am happy and pleased to see the stalls and handicrafts made by the rural female artisans,” said Benazir Jatoi, a development professional. “These handmade gifts give a personal touch of love and care,” she said.
Another such event was organised at the Kinder Care Community Welfare School where children sang and participated in different competitions to welcome Christmas. Chairman Mazdoor Union of Capital Development Authority Chaudhry Yaseen was the chief guest on the occasion.
The event featured distribution of Christmas gifts among the community. Different stalls set up by the parents offered delicious traditional food for the participants. Speaking on this occasion, Chadhry Yaseen appreciated the effort and said that all Islamabad is with Christian community in their celebrations. He said that such events are the evidence of the interfaith harmony among the citizens.
Chairperson of Kinder Care Community Welfare School Shehnaz Tatari said that the event is organised every year to join hands with Christian community in Christmas celebrations.