Stunning cultural heritage showcased at Expo Daiichi Arts Festival

By: Aziz Khatri

  KARACHI: The vibrant spirit of Pakistani craftsmanship took center stage at the two-day Daachi Arts and Crafts Exhibition, which opened at the Expo Centre, featuring over 200 artisans from across the country. 

Despite challenges posed by recent floods, many craftspeople from Punjab made their way to Karachi, driven by a determination to showcase their artistry and preserve their traditional skills. The exhibition serves as a testament to their resilience, as they not only aim to keep these ancestral crafts alive but also to turn their talents into sustainable livelihoods.

Among the many stalls, visitors were captivated by the beautifully embroidered Quran Shareef covers and handmade table mats created by Saima Fazal and Shagufta Fayyaz, hailing from Multan. 

The Daachi Arts and Crafts Exhibition, a flagship project of the Daachi Foundation, has been promoting craftsmanship and creating livelihood opportunities for artisans since 2010. To date, the foundation has organized 22 exhibitions across Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, playing a crucial role in providing artisans with a steady income and enabling them to refine and share their skills with the world.

This year's exhibition featured an impressive array of crafts ranging from glazed and terracotta pottery to painted and carved woodwork, from embellished and woven textiles to exquisite metal products and traditional silver jewelry. Additionally, contemporary designers added a modern twist to age-old patterns, enriching the artistic experience.

An art gallery and an organic food court, highlighting the culinary talents of home-based cooks, also graced the venue. One stall showcased attractive resin art hangings and delightful word letter key chains, with eye-catching earrings designed to resemble tiny cold drink cans, though their prices, starting at Rs350 for the key chains, made some reconsider their purchases.

No exhibition of this nature would be complete without a stunning array of garments. At Zehra Junaid’s Unique Collection stall, visitors admired hand-painted gharara and shalwar kameez suits, with prices ranging from Rs7,000 to Rs16,000. Handmade khussas were also available for those seeking traditional footwear, priced between Rs2,500 to Rs3,000.

From Sindh, charming Hala cobalt blue pottery stole the show. The prices ranged widely, with small bowls starting at Rs250 and vases costing significantly more, depending on the size and artistry. 

A stall from Hunza attracted attention with its variety of herbal teas, including chamomile and unique blends, priced at Rs400 per bag. Abu Bakr Naeem’s leather goods stall, Kostbar, offered card wallets for Rs250 and stylish leather backpacks priced at Rs12,500, alongside leather-bound diaries adorned with embroidered spines.

Children were drawn to an enchanting stall from Multan that featured Guggu Ghoray—colorful paper horses of various sizes, including towering five-foot versions. Mohammad Rashid, the artisan behind these whimsical creations, also showcased paper elephants, much to the delight of attendees.

For those interested in jewelry, one stall by Shazia Qasim and Farah Hasan presented an array of beautifully crafted artificial jewelry, including rings, bangles, and necklaces, at affordable prices. Adding to this variety, Sukaina Abbas offered real silver and gemstone jewelry, promoting the “Made in Pakistan” label, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity in her designs.

Guests could also enjoy homestyle Parsi delicacies at local stalls, including the Parsi Cuisine stall and Nice Krumbs, known for their Mawa Cake filled with milk, khoya, and nuts. Farishteh Kapadia, representing Parsi Cuisine, encouraged all to sample her tomato and lime chutney and unique pickles, leaving attendees with a rich taste of Pakistani culinary tradition.

The Daachi Arts and Crafts Exhibition brilliantly showcased the talent and tenacity of Pakistani artisans, ensuring that their rich cultural heritage remains vibrant and celebrated.