Pakistan Embassy Welcomes Large Crowd to Open House
By Elaine Pasquini
Photos by Phil Pasquini
Washington: After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, on May 7 the Islamic Republic of Pakistan welcomed visitors to its palatial embassy located among many other diplomatic missions in the upscale neighborhood of Cleveland Park. The design of the building is fashioned in part on the Mughal architecture of the 17th century Naulakhan Pavilion located in the historic Lahore Fort in Lahore, Pakistan.
The occasion was the admission-free Around the World Embassy Tour event presented by Cultural Tourism DC to give tourists and local residents the opportunity to learn firsthand about a country through its culture, cuisine, fashion, art and music.
A highlight for many visitors to Pakistan’s embassy was its delicious cuisine, including the classic Pakistani dessert, gulab jamun (doughnut balls), along with the brightly colored super-sweet jelebi rings and authentic Pakistani chai (tea).
Ladies and girls visiting Pakistan’s diplomatic mission waited patiently to have delicate henna designs created on their hands by an expert henna artist. This special art – mehndi in Urdu – has been practiced in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia for over 5,000 years.
A motorized rickshaw (passenger cart) festooned with the country’s iconic multicolored rickshaw art was on display in the embassy courtyard, providing a popular photo opportunity for families and other visitors. In Pakistan, drivers individualize these tiny vehicles with religious or political messages, poetry, and personal artwork.
In an airy second-floor gallery, while viewing artwork depicting Pakistan’s spectacular scenery and architectural treasures, guests enjoyed the diverse music of Pakistan performed by an accomplished duo.
Some 30 embassies participated in the daylong event throughout the city. During the month of May, Cultural Tourism DC is offering additional international events.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
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