LAHORE: A colourful traditional dance performance from Malaysian dancers kept the audience glued to their seats at Alhamra Art Center, The Mall on Friday.

Around 20 dancers clad in richly coloured attires complemented with a variety of traditional jewellery turned the stage into a cosmos of hues.

The ‘Traditional Cultural Performance from Malaysia’ was organised by Lahore Arts Council in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad. Chief guest on the occasion was Ambassador of Malaysia to Pakistan Dato Dr Hasrul Sani Mujtabar.

In his welcome address, Lahore Arts Council Executive Director retired Captain Atta Muhammad Khan said he was grateful to Malaysia for bringing such a wonderful cultural performance to Pakistan. He said cultural exchange would bring the two countries closer.

Pakistan Malaysia Friendship Cooperation Forum President M.S. Babar said such cultural performances would help increase people-to-people contact, adding both countries had strong ties with each other.

Ambassador Dr Mujtabar, highlighting various aspects of Malaysia’s top tourist resort Sabah, said their culture was unique and exciting. He said Sabah was one of the two largest states in the east of Malaysia blessed with rich diversity of flora and fauna. He also appreciated the love and brotherhood of Pakistani people for Malaysia.

A short documentary was also shown on Sabah’s cultural, economic life and natural beauty.

Opening performance of the night was a dance titled ‘Darling Darling’. It was performed by the Suluk people, a lively and beautiful courting performance. The dance was accompanied by a love song in Suluk that was usually performed on festivities such as weddings.

Sumazau, another dance, reflected various species of birds found in Sabah. Igal-Igal was also performed, which is a traditional dance of Bajau seafarers of the east coast of Sabah. Joget was a famous Malay folk dance performed in all states of Malaysia. Mogigol Sumundai was the dance of Rungus community from Kudat in the northernmost of Sabah.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2015