It is said that the absence of something makes one regard its value to one’s life. This applies when one’s lifestyle changes from that of an elite citizen – with a mansion, a fleet of cars, guards, and servants by the dozen hanging at every instruction to follow – to that of living in a cramped apartment alone and doing it all. The laundry, dishes, cleaning, mopping to cooking and working! It is considered one’s basic right to have all these at one’s leisure. After a ten day trip abroad, this reality hit me hard. The smell of the Karachi air felt divine, bring with it the promise of the usual, the knowing with each whip of the cool sea breeze. Yes! I was glad to be home. And that was when I decided that documenting the various flavours of Karachi were important, not just for the foreign eyes but to those Karachites oblivious to it all.
Far from perceived notions, Karachi has spice to life on the offering: an exciting art world – with exhibitions from emerging artists every few weeks, stage plays to creative dance routine classes – cultural events, adventure sports, gaming centers and the diverse food specialties at restaurants mushrooming across the city. Those with an adventurous streak can rent out gear for scuba diving, go deep sea fishing, enjoy ferry rides with servings of crabs and ‘masala’ potatoes as offerings, and have a brilliant time para-gliding, jet skiing, enjoying speed boat rides and enjoy a day at one of the beaches with the family. The tough amongst us have the option to go rock climbing, the playful enjoy a game of paint-ball or go go-carting.
The very perception that Karachi is limited to simply foods and restaurants alone is deceiving, although Karachites love to eat and that’s the reason for the variety of restaurants and cafes that exist.
Karachi boasts of an extremely rich and diverse cultural space, the main reason being that it is the financial hub if the country, providing work opportunities to many from the different cities in the country. This brings with it the contributions from each of the communities.
In the recent couple of years, the Shanakht (Identity) Festival, an initiative of the Citizens Archive of Pakistan, has brought to the public works of different artists in line with the identity as a Pakistani. As has VASL where artists from various countries of the world get together and work on muriels and exchange ideas by portraying their imagery as they see Pakistan or their experience through the interactions with the other artists.
Karachi has been the host for the World Social Forum with a tremendous turnout from individuals from around the world.
Karachi has been holding several talks, lectures, book readings, book launches from renowned scholars and writes at the Mohatta Palace, cafes and academic institutions. The participating individuals is proof that support from individuals in Karachi for verse and prose alike is tremendous. Similarly the theatre scene is alive again with the arts Council and PACC showcasing numerous plays, and stand up comedy sessions. A few months ago theatre groups performed at the Jahangir Kothari Parade for the masses at no fee. Similarly eight years running, the Kara Film Festival has showcased many a film from movie makers from Pakistan to those from India, Turkey, Europe and the United Kingdom – and that at a very nominal entry fee, giving the audience a rich global experience.
So, dear friends, loathe not being a Karachite – just step out of your own little world and enjoy the wonderous world Karachi has to offer!
