Iss paar
Culture attraction

Posted: May 18,2008

WASHINGTON: The Embassy of Pakistan (Washington D.C.) in association with the Cultural Tourism D.C., organized Embassy Open House on May 17 (Saturday) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. on the embassy premises.

The event was a part of an annual celebration of international culture that gives an opportunity to the diplomatic community in the US capital to share their culture with each other through different presentations of their choice.
 

Pakistan’s embassy chose to showcase an art exhibition contributed by Jimmy Engineer, Samina Qureshi, and Qaisar Iqbal whereas the Ladies Corner brought bangles, henna (mehndi), and a variety of clothes. A lot of visitors, particularly from other parts of the world, showed interest in mehndi booth, Pakistani food, furniture and jewelry. However, chaarpaaee (bed) and takiya (pillow) made the visitors’ day in the perfect DC weather.
 

These activities were punctuated by the screening of Shoaib Mansoor's film Khuda Ke Liye (In the name of God) whereas famous singer Ibrar ul Haq entertained in the evening. (Text and photos by Rana Fawad)

Together they pose: Charkha (spinning wheel), hooka (smoking pipe), tanga (horse cart), bel gaaree (Ox cart), etc., on	Samples of traditional jewelry	Samples of traditional jewelry
A variety of shoes, clothes, and beads to choose from	Bangles or pillows? This time they are pillows	Adding to the mehndi mood
Lined up for mehndi adventure	A little girl, Maria, shows her mehndi design	Freshly painted
Chaarpaaee (bed) and colourful takiya (pillow) catch visitors’ attention	Chaarpaaee (bed) and colourful takiya (pillow) catch visitors’ attention	Visitors enjoy the company of traditional beds and pillows
Clad in culture: without shalwaar-kameez (pajama-shirt) the show will be rated as incomplete	Culture parade continues	Visitors get in line to buy Pakistani food
Calligraphy by Qaisar Iqbal	By Jimmy Engr	By Qaisar Iqbal
Pakistan’s Embassy: a view from the Nigerian Embassy’s compound	Over the fence: another view of Pakistan’s Embassy