Pakistani and other communities come together for Chandraat
A colorful cultural evening brought Pakistani, Dutch, and other communities together on Thursday 26th November. The event was organized by Pakistan Ladies Association of the Netherlands (PLAIN) at Pakistan Ambassador residence to welcome eid-al-adha. Over one hundred ladies, wearing colorful attire, participated in the festivity.Notable guests included Spouses of the Chief of Protocol of the Netherlands, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Head of the OPCW, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Chairman Dutch Cricket Board; President of the International Women Contact, Officers of the Dutch government; Spouses of the Ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, France, India, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tunisia; and scores of Pakistani-Dutch ladies, members of PLAIN.
Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad, Spouse of Pakistan Ambassador, welcomed the participants on behalf of PLAIN and apprised them about the Organization and its future plans.
PLAIN has been conceived in the Embassy of Pakistan as a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to promoting the soft image of Pakistan and cultural exchanges between Pakistani, Dutch and other communities in the Netherlands. It is non-political and non-religious association which seeks to introduce Pakistani traditions, values and our rich cultural heritage in the Netherlands. The Chandraat was the second event organized under the auspices of PLAIN.
The festivities of the Chandraat event commenced with a welcome flower garland, Pakistani sweets, churian (bangles) and henna for all guests. The décor of the hall with traditional hues reflected Pakistani ambience. The evening was coordinated by three youthful dynamic and pretty ladies: Afshan, Shahzadi and Shumaila. The evening programme instigated with an elegant eastern dance by two PLAIN members followed by a fashion show displaying the wide array of colorful Pakistani attires, representing the evolution of the Pakistani dress over time. The fashion show constituted of various age groups upto 6 different generations. The programme concluded with a solo dance performance portraying the famous historical character of Anarkali, the Juliet of the East.
After the mesmerizing dances and songs over traditional dholki, the evening concluded with an authentic Pakistani cuisine, with barbque chicken and biryani emerging as the most favorite for the guests.
The Hague, 26 November 2009
