Written by: Ayesha Amir
Posted on: November 26, 2024 | 
| 中文
Interactive storytelling at the Children's Festival in Lahore.
Pakistan and its many cultures are a hub of festivals, or melas as they are called. Many traditions within the sphere of festivity are led by children themselves, owing to their innocent enthusiasm and the sparkle of life brought to every event, raunaq as it is said in Urdu. There is an old folk saying Eid tou bachon ki hoti hai! Meaning, even important events like Eid are mostly enjoyed by children, where most activities and attractions are designed specifically for their interest. More than two decades ago, festivals or children’s entertainment took the shape of animal trick shows, amusement parks, and rides. So much so that a mini ferris wheel contraption would be paraded through the streets of mohallas to attract children.
Cotton Candy, a mela staple
Since then, not much has changed in that entertainment providers still capitalize from the interest of children. However, as time has gone by, many activities have either become gentrified or have lost their original essence. Examples of these include the storytelling tradition and qissa goi. That is a topic that needs attention separately, but currently the landscape of children's entertainment in Pakistan is undergoing a significant transformation. From traditional melas to modern, sophisticated festivals, the shift reflects broader changes in society’s approach to childhood experiences. This transformation was most evident in my visit to the Lahore Children’s Festival, which was a vibrant event designed to cater to the imagination, curiosity, and well-being of the young attendees. The directors of the event are Amal Piracha, Anushka Peracha, Zoe Khan and Farrukh Shafiq, who shared valuable insights into the evolution of these festivals and their significance. The Lahore children’s festival is a testament to modern approaches to child-friendly events, bringing a diverse range of activities under one roof. The festival isn’t just about fun, it is a carefully planned experience that integrates entertainment with education, promoting an inclusive environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive. The festival included interactive science demonstrations, workshops on art and music, live storytelling sessions, and even mindfulness activities aimed at enhancing mental health.
Gaming zone for children
One significant area where modern children’s festivals have made a mark is inclusivity. Increasing awareness around conditions such as autism and other developmental differences, has paved the way for more inclusive programming. The social understanding of the importance of being an inclusive event is what makes modern festivals commendable. It is not something we saw many years ago, and parents of children with special needs had limited to no options that catered to providing respite to children with special needs. The educative sessions at these events are most helpful, because when children learn about the different experiences and challenges their fellows might face, they become more considerate and accepting. This awareness helps dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding special needs.
Breakfast items at Lahore Children's Festival
It is thus that such modern festivals provide a stark contrast to the traditional melas of the past. However, the air of festivity and excitement applies universally, and remains true for all kinds of events for children. The melas were held in open spaces and were marked by their colorful chaos, complete with makeshift rides, puppet shows and vendors selling everything from handmade toys to local snacks. For many families, these events were the highlight of the season, serving as communal gatherings where children would run freely and provide respite to their parents as well. While these events were rich in the hustle and bustle, they often lacked structured activities and educational content, focusing instead on entertainment and spectacle. They usually would not serve a more educative purpose, and children would return most often with nothing more than cotton candy and painted faces.
Cotton Candy, a mela staple
The shift from melas that served exclusively recreational purposes only, to today's educational festivals is not just a trait of modernization but a reflection of the changing values, attitudes and awareness surrounding child development. Parents now seek out experiences that go beyond momentary enjoyment and promote skills, creativity and emotional growth. The Lahore children’s festival, for example, prioritizes workshops and activities that are not only entertaining but also nurturing. Children are encouraged to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects, participate in creative writing and storytelling sessions, and attend interactive performances that introduce them to the arts in an innovative way. Amal Piracha, one of the directors of the festival, interestingly stated that parents are the ones who put in special requests for educative content, and the festival itself was held in October as demanded by the parents, after its success in April 2024.
Gaming zone for children
The Lahore Children's Festival was a feat of trivia challenges, workshops, educative sessions on mental and physical health, story time sessions with authors, puppet shows, performances, and last but not least, drum circles for children. It was a very pleasant experience to see that festivals for children are now more than just a fooding or a gaming event, where they mingle within an educational environment.
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