Zubair Qureshi
A number of activities—exhibition of some rare photographs, cultural performances and training workshop—marked Chinese mid-autumn festival celebrated at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). “Zhong Qiu Jie”, which is also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar Calendar. To the Chinese, Mid-Autumn Festival means family reunion and peace. A large number of Pakistani artists, performers, students and general public attended these programmes and showed keen interest in centuries’ old Chinese traditions and heritage.
Besides Wuhan Photography and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition and Art Workshop, Chinese musicians and artists also gave spellbinding performances to the sheer joy and applause of the audience.
China Cultural Center (CCC) in Pakistan was behind these colourful programmes and hosted two different cultural troupes—Chinese classical cultural troupe enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing performance in PNCA.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Yao Jing was present on the occasion as chief guest while Director General of the PNCA Jamal Shah, Cultural Consular of the CCC, Zhang Heqing were among the noted guests. Chinese nationals and families also attended the event and termed the performance by the Chinese artists had made their evening worth-remembering.
Ambassador Yao Jing in his remarks said such programmes and cultural exchanges were meant to promote the linkages between people and create the understanding amongst our nations regarding the Chinese culture and values. They are part of the large public and cultural diplomacy initiatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan.
The artists comprising of 19 members came from Chengdu school of Culture and Art and presented Chinese Musical & Dance in Gala Performances in PNCA Islamabad to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Another Chinese troupe comprising 9 members were from Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism of China for a training workshop on “Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage” i.e Hand Embroidery, Clay Sculpture, Oil Paper Umbrella, Calligraphy, Hangmen fist (Traditional Chinese Boxing) for Pakistani students. Wuhan Photography Exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Zhang Heqing. It would continue until Sept 21 at the China Cultural Centre.
