ISLAMABAD: Although almost every family buys bangles at the occasion of Eid but majority of them don’t know that how bangles are made.

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) has provided an opportunity to residents of federal capital to see how bangles are made as a team from Hyderabad has arrived in Islamabad and is preparing bangles.

A large number of residents of federal capital visits the Eid Families Mela at Shakarparian to see the artisans at work and for the shopping of Eid.

The festival features various activities like art and craft bazaar, artisan stalls, garments and Hina stalls, but the major attraction remains the demonstration of work by a group of women bangle makers came from Hyderabad.

The artists are Rubina, Irfana and Quratulain accompanied by a facilitator Jibran. These creative women are beautifully embellishing glass bangles with the help of different equipment/tools specially made for the purpose. They use this profession as a source of their livelihood and contribute to alleviate poverty among women of their community.

Bangles are a special traditional ornament worn by women. It is a common jewellery item worn by almost all females of all ages on special occasions like Eid, wedding and other festivals.

According to statement issued by Lok Virsa Bangles were also in use in ancient times as bangles made from shell, copper, bronze, gold etc. have been excavated from multiple archaeological sites. These days various types of bangles are available in the market, in different colours, designs and shapes, and made from different materials.

Glass bangles coated with glitter and with ghungroo hanging to them are liked the most by young girls.

Bangles are an essential element of our culture and tradition. They enhance the elegance of every young girl; a wrist adorned with bangles has a charm of its own. A gift of bangles conveys the message of love and compassion. Whatever the value or tradition, bangles are a passion with most females and they let no opportunity to adorn their arms with bangles in matching colours on every occasion.

The Eid Mela will continue till Chand Raat daily from 5pm to 11pm. The women bangle makers will be there till July 15 where after they will leave for their hometowns to celebrate Eid.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2015

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