PESHAWAR: The 4-day ‘National Derajaat Festival’ will begin tomorrow [March 3] in Dera Ismail Khan with a variety of sport and cultural activities to amuse and entertain the local population as well as visitors from across the country.
Arrangements for this purpose have been finalised jointly by the provincial government and district administration of Dera Ismail Khan.
Read more:
Lok virsa: KP pavilion spotlights rich cultural heritage
Buzkashi season begins in Samangan, Afghanistan
Mukha: Centuries-old sport still thrives in Swabi
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur said the unique feature of this mega event is the National Off-road Jeep Rally along China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route. He said that Derajat Festival is being held at the city main Sports Stadium with an objective to promote the sport, cultural and traditional values.
Faisal Amin said that the event is being organized at the national level under ‘Derajat Festival’ to inculcate the spirit of love and fraternity among the locals especially the youth and to keep them acquainted of their local culture and tradition.
The minister said that the festivals would not only attract the locals and visitors from across the country and abroad but it will also project the soft image of the country through media. He added that this event would help in promoting peace and harmony and encourage youth to involve in healthy activities.
Cultural dance, tent pegging, horse and cattle shows, pets show, wrestling, gymnastics and other local sport would be part of this festival. The minister expressed the confidence that this mega national event would attract a large number of tourists and famous artists would perform.
Faisal added that students from local schools, colleges and universities would also be encouraged to participate besides attracting lovers of sport, art and craft from various cities specially the neighboring districts of Lakki Marwat, Bhakar, Mianwali and Tank. He said that there would be prize distribution ceremony on last day of the festival to distribute shields and awards among winners of various events.