Annual orange festival in ancient Taxila

On January 28, 2024, the “Zaildar House” hosted a traditional annual Orange Festival in the historical district of Taxila of Pakistan's Punjab Province, which was jointly organised by the Office of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Executive Committee of the Corps of the Service Attaches in Islamabad and the Vice Chairman of the Elaan Research Centre, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah.

The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Mirza Mohamad Afridi, members of the interim government of Pakistan, heads and staff of diplomatic missions accredited in Islamabad, as well as cultural figures, businessmen and prominent members of society.

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Chairman of the Senate said that cultural diplomacy can play a decisive role in promoting the historical and rich heritage of the country at the international level.

Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Vice Chairman of Elaan Research Centre spoke about the rich cultural heritage, and traditional work of black stone carvers, talked about local orange species and exploration of more than two dozen sacred sites of Gandhara civilisation in the Taxila region.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Turkmenistan A. Movlamov noted that the event contributes to an even closer familiarization of the diplomatic community with the culture and history of Pakistan, and it is also an effective way to strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the world.

The culmination of the festival was performances of traditional horse dances, competitions of local athletes in stone liftings, and the performance of folk music and songs. The event also included an exhibition of local handicrafts. Participants of the orange festival enjoyed various oranges and a wide range of national cuisine delicacies.

The guests of the festival were grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to become more familiar with the rich culture and traditions of Pakistan. Foreign guests in their talks with local journalists emphasized their interest in expanding cultural ties and tourism exchanges with Pakistan.