Islamabad: Pakistani Handicrafts, Culture and gastronomy captivated the public from all walks of life in a day long Charity Bazaar organized by Asia Pacific Women Association in Brussels on 4 June 2011. The fund raising event was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and European Union Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, says a press release received here today from Brussels.
The wife of the Pakistani Ambassador Mrs. Shaista Jalil being the President of the Association arranged the charity event for fund raising. Various Embassies in Brussels from 29 countries of Asia Pacific region participated in the fund raising event. Pakistan Embassy in Brussels had setup a stall in which Pakistan’s artefacts, handicrafts, and decoration items were displayed depicting our rich cultural heritage. Pakistani handicrafts attracted people and were sold out in a large number.
Pakistani gastronomy also attracted visitors with its exotic taste and aroma. Pakistani Biryani, Seekh Kababs, Samosa and Pakoras remained hot favourites among people visiting the Bazaar.
In the cultural show from Pakistan side, Ms. Amina enthralled audience with her, ‘Kathak dance’ on attractive lyrics of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, whereas the members of various Embassies from Asia Pacific Countries captivated the audience with their well rehearsed folk dances depicting the cultural richness of their respective countries.
In the opening of Bazaar a Parade of Nations was presented in which young girls and boys dressed in traditional costumes marched on the stage with small flags of their countries in their hands which was appreciated by all.
The objective of organizing this event was to introduce diversified culture, tradition and customs of Asia Pacific countries among themselves as well as to Belgian people by providing an opportunity to enjoy the diversified cultural richness of their respective countries through handicraft and food.
A number of Embassies of 29 countries participated in the event. The proceeds of the APWA Charity Bazaar will go to the charity organizations which includes an orphanage in Indonesia; Fusi Alofa Disability Association in Tuvalu, South Pacific an association that assists disabled people; and L’Eglantier a Belgian shelter for women and children in need.
The bazaar offered regional cooking with sizzling spices, fiery curries and Asian flavours while keen shoppers could picked up local crafts and gifts. The day-long entertainment programme featured folklore dance, music and culture while a big draw was tombola offering the top prizes of -Round trip tickets from Amsterdam-Singapore, Paris-Tokyo, Paris-Islamabad, Frankfurt-Colombo, and also a return ticket to Malaysia. Besides, many gifts hampers including Pashmina shawls, Handicrafts, and electronic items also captivated the visitors till the end of Bazaar.
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