Social Welfare Department organizes 2-day Gypsy in Lahore

Lahore: A 2-day Gypsy Mela (Carnival) is being organized jointly by Grass Root Organization for Human Development (GODH), Social Welfare Department and Children Library Complex on 12-13 March at Children Library Complex. The theme of the mela is ‘Education for All Is Not Complete without Gypsy’s Participation’.

This was disclosed by Director General Social Welfare, Malik Muhammad Aslam while addressing a press conference, here today. Projecet Director Children Library Complex, Shaheera Shahid,Nazir Ahmad Ghazi of Godh, District Social Welfare Officer, Sheikh Tanveer Ahmed were also present on the occasion. Malik Aslam said that a large number of gypsies live in Pakistan and the sub-continent is the origin of gypsies all over the world. He said that there are a number of common features in the culture and lifestyle of gypsies living in the sub-continent and other countries of the world. He said that the purpose of holding of the festival is to introduce and promote the art and handicrafts of gypsies and to draw attention to the problems of their children. He said that a gypsies’ day should also be observed. The festival will include different activities for the gypsy community and different communities of gypsies like Qalandar, Changer, Masli, Bhattu, Jogi, Nat, Kinger, Marssi, Lalimarasi, etc will participate in the Mela. There will be different stalls for gypsies as well as other participants. The stalls will include different items from the daily lives of gypsies, such as things made from straws. These gypsies make and sell these things. The participants can buy these items from the stalls at a reasonable price to help gypsy community.

Different performers from all over Pakistan will perform in the festival. They include Habib Rafiq from Jaranwala, Javaid Kodu, anchorperson Sahir Lodhi, Krishan Lal Bheel, a famous folksinger from Sindh as well as others. Puppet shows will also be arranged. The registration desk for the participants will be set up in the Children Library Complex.