Arwa Noor
Karachi: The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) hosted its annual Mela on Saturday, bringing together a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, food, and music in a celebration of culture and creativity.
A key highlight of this year’s event was the participation of the Ikebana Karachi Chapter 204, whose members presented graceful displays of Japanese floral artistry. Nine artists volunteered to create Ikebana arrangements, each reflecting the principles of harmony, simplicity, and natural beauty.
Among the contributors was Fehmida Hashmi, president of the Gardenia Chapter, who combined origami flowers with floral design in an innovative fusion of Japanese art forms. Other participants included Sabra Tufail, Fauzia Ahmad, Nazli Baig, Farah Jafri, Yasmin Jabbar, Anis Khandwala, and Nafisa Baig. Each offered a unique interpretation of Ikebana, captivating visitors with serene and symbolic compositions.
Held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the IVS campus, the Mela attracted large crowds and reinforced its reputation as a platform for cultural unity and artistic expression. Organizers said the inclusion of Ikebana added a contemplative dimension to the festival, reminding attendees of the timeless beauty in simplicity and nature.