MANSEHRA: The first-ever cultural festival in Battagram district attracted a large number of people from all segments of life.

The three-day festival is aimed at portraying traditions and culture of Battagram. A large number of children including girls also attended the festival and took part in different activities.

`We have been holding the first-ever festival in the history of the district to portray local culture and traditions.

It might present a soft image of our values and hospitality,` Deputy Commissioner Zariful Maani told the inaugural ceremony of `Khkula` (beauty) festival on Sunday.

Different non-governmental organisations, seminaries, schools and government departments including wildlife, Nadra and agriculture set up stalls at the festival to create awareness among people about local culture and traditions. The main attraction for the children was a stall where they were imparted painting skills. The little Battagrami girls got painted their faces with national flag atthe paintingcorner.

The visitors also took interest in dif ferent games, including boxing.

Sarhad Rural Support Programme, an NGO, also set a stall to depict `hujra` culture of Pakhtun life and present local folk music.

The wildlife department informed the visitors about the endangered species. The officials of agricultural depart-ments informed people about organic farming and its positive effects on the human life. The local artists presented skits and plays to highlight local culture.

Mr Maani, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that he was pleased to see the large number of visitors at the festival. He said that Khkula festival would attract more people. It was an encouraging sign for them, he added.

`The district government has been taking all possible measures to address issues and problems faced by the people and to provide them entertaining environment. we are doing our level best to fulfil our obligations in a better way,` Sadi Mr Maani.

The deputy commissioner said that the festival would be held every year.

`Before going to announce schedule of this festival, I held a meeting with local ulema and heads of seminaries, who appreciated my idea and now ulema and students of seminaries are part of this great effort to highlight true culture and image of Battagram,` he said.

The ofñcial said that poetry recitation sessions and horse and cattle show were also appreciated by the visitors.

LAID TO REST: The regional director of information in Hazara, Mohammad Taib, who had died of cardiac arrest in Islamabad, was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Balakot on Sunday.

His funeral prayers were offered in Balakot and attended by people from different walks of life including journalists. Mohammad Taib had served as district information officer in Mansehra, Abbottabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He was later promoted as regional director and posted in Abbottabad.

Mohammad Taib was the younger brother of Ahmad Hassan, former Dawn staffer in Islamabad.