Zubair Qureshi
In a run-up to Christmas Day, celebrations have set in and the federal capital’s various hotels, restaurants, markets are adorned with red-colour balloons, lights and ribbons.
The highlight of these festivities however is lighting up a Christmas tree surrounded by images/models of Santa Claus.
Serena Hotel Islamabad on Saturday unveiled Christmas tree and a model of Santa Claus formally opening the Christmas festivities. A number of children on the occasion participated in the ceremony to unveil the huge, colourful well-decorate Christmas tree adorned with gift boxes, chocolates and other small souvenirs.
Besides a large number of Christian community members and Muslims also turned up at the unveiling of the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Young students from various mission and private schools sang Christmas songs highlighting significance of the event.
Christmas is an event to celebrate and share, said the general manager of the hotel Michel Andre Galopin adding its message is that of peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, the two-day crafts festival concluded here Sunday at Serena Hotel. The festival aimed at promoting arts and crafts of the country, organized by Nomad Art and Culture Centre in collaboration with Cultural Diplomacy of Serena Hotel.
The visitors enjoyed live craftsmanship of the local craftsmen and took keen interest in buying handicrafts, ranging from regional textiles, handmade jewellery, block printed items and various arts and crafts.
CEO of Nomad Art Gallery, Nageen Hyat said the festival would revive the cultural diversity and traditional craft of the country.
She said that we are celebrating through collaborative initiatives with our partners to highlight our rich legacy.
“We believe that Pakistan has immense talent, potential and superb cultural heritage that need to be tapped,” she said.
