Celebrating Mountains: Pakistan Mountain Festival Set to Kick Off November 27
— November 9, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The 14th annual Pakistan Mountain Festival, the world’s largest event dedicated to mountain conservation, culture, and community, is scheduled to begin on November 27. Organised by Development Communications Network (Devcom Pakistan), the two-week festival celebrates Pakistan’s majestic mountain regions and their vibrant communities, spanning the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush ranges.
The festival will open with a live painting session by young artists at the Punjab Arts Council, showcasing their interpretations of mountain heritage and environmental themes, according to Munir Ahmed, Executive Director of Devcom Pakistan and founder of the festival. This event marks the start of a series of activities across Islamabad and Rawalpindi that blend cultural traditions, ecological awareness, and traditional mountain crafts.
As part of its annual celebration of International Mountain Day on December 11, this year’s festival will feature a variety of events for mountain enthusiasts, environmentalists, and the general public. Highlights include a mountain biodiversity discussion, a hiking and cleanup drive on Margalla Hills, a youth forum, and a fair showcasing mountain crafts, cuisine, and music.
Ahmed noted that the festival aims to connect mountain communities with a broader audience, highlighting both the challenges and cultural richness of Pakistan’s high-altitude regions. “The Pakistan Mountain Festival serves as a global model for bringing mountain issues into the mainstream and encouraging sustainable development,” Ahmed said. “We hope it inspires action and fosters public appreciation for the mountains that sustain us.”
Open to all, the festival offers a unique experience for those passionate about nature, culture, and sustainability, inviting attendees to enjoy diverse events while learning about mountain conservation and community empowerment.