Islamabad-based Diplomats Experience Pakistan’s Rich Culture at Orange Festival in Taxila
Taxila, The Gulf Observer: Islamabad-based diplomats and their families visited Zaildar House in Taxila on Sunday, immersing themselves in the rich and diverse culture of Pakistan through traditional food, ancient black stone carving art, horse dance, and the local sport of stone lifting.
Social figures Zaildar Ahsan Shah and Zaildar Zaheer Shah have been hosting the Orange Festival for foreign diplomats for the last 12 years, facilitating their visit to Taxila—the ancient city of Gandhara and Buddhist civilizations. The horse dance on drumbeats, stone-lifting competitions, and the world-famous Khanpuri oranges captivated diplomats and their families, especially children.
Diplomats from over 70 countries took a keen interest in Pakistan’s traditional culture, music, crafts, and cuisine, particularly enjoying Paan and Gol Gappay. Stalls showcased Gandhara artifacts, intricately crafted jewelry, and marble and stone pottery, which received widespread admiration from participants. Additionally, the Pakistan-Romanian Friendship Association organized stalls offering shirts featuring Romanian prints as gifts.
The event was attended by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen Mohammad Motahar Alashabi, Dean of COSA Brig General Abu Rubel Shahabuddin, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Legal Affairs Barrister Aqeel Malik, Mr. Touqeer Shah, and MNA Farah Naz.
In his welcoming address, Zaildar Ahsan Shah warmly received the chief guest and 200 foreign diplomats, emphasizing Taxila’s historical significance as the center of the Gandhara civilization. He highlighted that the Orange Festival serves as a gateway to Pakistan’s rich heritage, fostering a deeper understanding among the global diplomatic community. He also expressed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with friendly nations.
Governor Sardar Saleem Haider praised the festival for its consistent success over the past 12 years, acknowledging its role in promoting Pakistan’s positive image and boosting tourism. He further emphasized that cultural events like these bring the diplomatic community closer to Pakistan’s people, culture, and history.
The festival concluded with an exquisite spread of Pakistani cuisine, including Chicken Tikka, Malai Boti, Rice, and Qorma, followed by desserts such as Kheer and Carrot Halwa, offering guests a true taste of Pakistan’s culinary excellence.
