Ikebana practitioners asked to propagate floral art across society

The Ikebana International Karachi Chapter celebrated its 45th anniversary with an event held at the Pakistan American Cultural Centre (PACC) on Saturday.

The highlight of the event was demonstrations of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, accompanied by music. Many flower arrangements were displayed at the event. Consul General of Japan Hattori Masaru said that Ikebana was a traditional art of Japan that allows us to enjoy the beauty of a variety of flowers. He highlighted that by sharing the spirit and beauty of Ikebana, we have been promoting cultural exchange between Pakistan and Japan.

"Ikebana is an important element of the cultural training young diplomats receive before they are posted all over the world," he said, adding that it enabled them to foster cultural exchange.

Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) chairperson Dr Masuma Hasan, who was the chief guest at the event, said Ikebana was a 700-year-old Japanese art. "When Buddhism was introduced in the Far East, the offering of flowers at Buddhist altars became a common practice, and therefore, Ikebana is infused with the spirit and philosophy of Buddhism," she highlighted.

She called on Ikebana practitioners to take their art to different parts of city. "You and I can have access and visit your exhibitions, and enjoy the beauty of your work, but the underprivileged people of our city cannot do so. They may not even have heard of the word Ikebana," she said as she advised practitioners of Ikebana to hold exhibitions in various parts of the city, including schools, colleges and universities.

Earlier, Ikebana International President Salma Aziz welcomed the guests. Ikebana demonstrations were given by Asifa Ataka of Ikenobo School, Shahina Zubairi of Karachi Sogetsu Study Group, Nafisa Tapal from Indus Sogetsu Study Group and Safina Nusrat of Ohara.