Revival of Koocha-e-Saqafat

Kooch-e-Saqafat is becoming popular again among Karachiites after disappearing for a number of years due to security reasons. Now Kooch-e-Saqafat at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi revived this year inside its premises in a secure environment inaugurated by Governor Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan last month along with Asif Hyder Shah, the Commissioner Karachi.
The idea was to revive the cultural activities of Sindh involving people from all walks of life to explore and enjoy their heritage. Every Sunday people are provided a platform to spend hours discovering and enjoying their culture through music, theatre, mushairas, art/painting, book stalls, handicrafts and delicious food.
Formerly inaugurated in 2003 it was the brain child of Governor Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and late Saif-ur-Rehman Grami sahib. Initially it was used to be held outside the premises of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. People stroll through the street and enjoy the various stalls set up showing different shades of Sindh culture from food, dresses to folk songs.
This year a new attraction is introduced for children an art/painting corner where a senior artist performs live painting while the kids enjoy painting hones their painting skills under the supervision of a senior artist who guide them where necessary. It is a pleasurable experience for the children to paint their much loved cartoon characters, sceneries, butterflies, flowers, fruits, cars, calligraphy etc anything they had in their minds and like to share with others. They draw and paint with the material provided by the Arts Council.
This exercise teaches them to work in group, co-ordinate, share with others and be communicative which will help them grow as a global citizen.
Arts Council painting corner is a safe space for children where they indulge in their favourite pass time activity - painting. In a loving and peaceful environment children concentrate on painting choose their own theme, discuss themes with their peers, and share material.
Such art activities help building self confidence and enhance their mental abilities. It is a kind of mental and behavioural therapy for children.
Each child paints his/her own individual piece and after completion their artworks are exhibited on the board. It is very empowering for children to see their artworks exhibited. Dozens of pieces are exhibited every Sunday.
The painting activity is being very popular among children and children are participating in large numbers and spending hours painting. They have fun at Kooch-e-Saqafat art/painting corner while drawing and painting.
Since its revival large number of youngsters and kids along with their families visited the venue and participated in singing songs and paintings while enjoying delicious food and for ladies the handicraft stall have much attraction where traditional embroidery dresses and other handicrafts are available. Book lovers gathered around book stalls to select the book of their interest at nominal price. Mushairas have been regularly arranged for poetry loving people.
The cultural and literary events have been organized weekly at Koocha-e-Saqafat so that people can fully participate and enjoy these events on a Sunday holiday. Having various themes and colourful hues the art/painting corner has became one of the most appealing places in Koocha-e-Saqafat among children. Thus this venue provides respite for families away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a secure environment.