On 29th January 2023, the inauguration ceremony of the Gandhara Festival 2023 was held at the Gandhara Art Village, Taxila. The festival is being organised by the Punjab Arts Council, Government of Punjab.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of, Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future was invited as the chief guest of the event.
The festival is aimed to highlight the rich art, culture and history of Gandhara and to showcase the art, music, and traditions of the region. During the four-day festival, multiple artisans and craftsman will be displaying their stalls of art, crafts and other cultural artefacts.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, PRRCSF during his address mentioned that we are at the foot of the mountains of fragrances to highlight Gandhara, the great centre of world cultural heritage. He further mentioned that this region has been a reflection of different religions and today we are the heirs and trustees of this civilization. He also emphasized the importance of these festivals in people-to-people contact and maintaining the soft image of Pakistan.
Director General Punjab Arts Council, Muhammad Mehboob Alam mentioned that Pakistan has been the centre of various great and ancient civilizations since time immemorial. In the bosom of this earth, different civilizations have flourished, grown and spread colours with their initiatives.
Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Advisor on International Relations, PRCCSf also praised the initiative of organising this festival and sharing the rich culture and heritage of Pakistan with the world. He mentioned that efforts such as these play a crucial role in enhancing Pakistan’s image globally by showcasing its cultural assets.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by diplomats, government officials and renowned experts.
