LARKANA: Christian community organised ‘Christmas food festival’ after a space of six years here on Sunday.

The community had postponed the festival for all these years over security concerns.

Attired in colourful costumes, women and children showed great enthusiasm as they participated in the event where different food and game stalls attracted their attention.

The organisers provided a chance to people to freely enjoy the festival. See-saw, merry-go-round and other games attracted children and families while women were seen absorbed in buying bangles, earrings and other ornamental items.

Food stalls also attracted children and others to enjoy in a free atmosphere.

Father Qaisar William said on the occasion that living with unity without any irritant in mind spoke volumes for the prevailing positive atmosphere.

He thanked the district administration for providing congenial and peaceful atmosphere to them to celebrate their religious day without any fear. Similar gatherings would continue in future to celebrate cultural and religious events.

Hopefully, he said, the kind of cooperation extended by the district administration would continue to encourage the community.

ASP City Tauqeer Naeem said: “We all are equal here in celebrating harmony, love and tolerance. The event also provides a platform to further propagate tolerance.”

He appreciated the organisers for holding such a programme and said that fissures visible in society were artificial and short-lived. “We have to bridge the gaps as we all worship one God,” he said.

He said that regional cultural events were beauty of a society and asked the community to freely hold such festivals without fear.

A religious leader Deeda Dil Ghaffari, Larkana SDM Dr Masood Bhutto, Khair Muhammed Shaikh, vice president PPP Larkana chapter and many people from different walks of life participated in the festival and expressed solidarity with Christians.

Ms Shella Bhatti who welcomed the guests said the income generated from the festival would be spent on local church.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2016