With the country facing a dearth of cultural activities, The Children’s Carnival organised by The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP) — scheduled for Jan 11 (tomorrow) at Karachi's Aman House — is an event that should not be missed for all the recreation it promises. The proceeds from the event will be used to fund education programs in low-income schools.

Aman House. — Photo by Wajid Khan

Given CAP's penchant for preserving historical and cultural sites, Aman House seems to be an apt venue, being a heritage site itself that boasts of a beautiful, colonial-style building.

Having a variety of exciting games at the carnival, including but not limited to children, such as jumping castles, rock climbing, sumo wrestling and trampolines, the event seems to have been rightly dubbed as a 'fantasy world' of sorts. Games such as Pakistan trivia which will offer one a dip into the country's history are expected to be all the more exciting to play, even watch, as opponents brace for a showdown. There will also be a diverse array of games for teenagers, namely table tennis, basket ball and dart games etc. The music at the event will be provided by DJ Adnan Butt.

Ping pong toss. — Photo by writer

At the event's gifts centre, potential customers will not only be able to buy CAP merchandise but also purchase framed vintage photographs from the organisation's archives. Revellers will also be able to mill between the historical-themed photo booth, posing with vintage props, and tuck in at food eateries — such as the popular Hoagies, Dunkin Donuts, China Garden and Pantry among others.

"We also have chill-out spots for parents at the venue where they can lounge and relax; we basically want to cater to the entire family rather than just kids," said CAP's Director Exhibitions and Programs Sophie Balagam.

Brightly painted figurines featured at previous CAP events will be adorned at the venue tomorrow for aesthetic value as well as to familiarise people with the country's prominent personalities.

Figurines featuring late pop singer Nazia Hasan (L) and Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (R).

A figurine showing late Pakistani film actor Waheed Murad. — Photo by writer

Speaking to Dawn via telephone, CAP President Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy said the carnival would be very special where people can immerse themselves in different activities, play trivia as well as listen to local history.

"There are few opportunities for people to take children to carnivals, so this one will definitely be special," she said.

CAP President Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. — Photo courtesy: SOC Films

"Everybody has a child in them and we are just enabling that child to come out," she added.

“The purpose of this carnival is to specifically raise funds for CAP to enable education in low-income schools in Karachi," said Executive Director CAP Swaleha Alam Shahzada.

"The CAP School Outreach Tours focus on giving a broader world view, inculcating tolerant values and critical thinking skills in those students who are devoid of such learning opportunities,” she added.

— Photo by Wajid Khan

Launched in 2008, the School Outreach Tours (SOT) program educates and inspires children coming from Karachi's low-income neighbourhoods.

The entrance ticket is priced at Rs350 but for children under three years of age, entry will be free of cost. Tickets are available at Agha's, Farid's superstores, Grandeur as well as the venue itself.

The CAP ticket as featured in the picture. — Photo by writer