Truck Art

Ever since I arrived in Pakistan, I have admired the amazingly vivid art that is displayed on trucks, rickshaws, buses – commonly known as ‘truck art’.   Trucks are highly decorated using pictures and calligraphy that either remind the drivers of home or advertise a company.  Decorations include painting, mirror work, bells, fake flowers, tinsel and flags.  The trucks are also known as ‘jingle trucks’ thanks to the many bells attached to the bumper bars.  

 The artwork started in the 1920’s with the import of British Bedford trucks.  The Bedford trucks had a high crown behind the driver’s cab and detailed woodwork on the crown, truck bed, sides and bumpers.  Artists started painting the woodwork and the more decorative the truck the better the business.  Drivers can spend a lot of money, up to two year’s salary, decorating their trucks and competing with other drivers.  

 On each truck you will see so many stories being told – landscapes with soaring mountains, eagles with outspread wings, ferocious tigers, dancing horses, flowers, peacocks and hearts.  Local artists, telling local stories, travelling across the country in the brightest possible way.  

Postcard from Katas Raj Temple

Katas Raj is a Hindu Temple complex located about two hours outside of Islamabad, near Chakwal in the Punjab province of Pakistan.  

Katas Raj is a series of temples, shrines and fort, dating from around 615-950 CE, built around a pool that is sacred to Hindus and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.  Katas comes from a Sanskrit word, Katisksah which means ‘raining eyes’.  It is believed that the pool was formed when Shiva wept over the death of his wife.  

The temples are built in a Kashmiri design from the Karhota and Varma dynasties.  Most are built on a square base, with pillars, trefoil arches and floral and animal motifs.  

Prior to the Hindu Temples being constructed the site was known for a Buddhist stupa, remains of the stupa can still be seen today.  The complex fell into disrepair following Partition.  In 2005 Pakistan agreed to begin restoring the site.  The temples are considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Pakistan. 

Life in Islamabad Eid al-Adha - Feast of Sacrifice

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Goat decorated for Eid al-Adra

 Today is Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice or the Greater Eid, that falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. 

 For the last couple of weeks animal markets have suddenly appeared all over Islamabad.  As well as traditional animal markets, temporary, smaller markets appear in vacant lots and alongside roads. The markets have goats, sheep, cows and camels and everything you need from food to decorations.  These animals will be sacrificed on Eid al-Adha.  It is estimated that across Pakistan between 8 to 10 million animals will be sacrificed over this holy day. 

 If you know your Quran or Bible you will know the story of Abraham (Ibrahim) and Isaac (Ismael).  If you don’t then here is a quick summary.  God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.  Abraham was willing to follow God’s commands but before he sacrificed his son God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in Isaac’s place.  That is why on Eid al-Adha a sheep (or goat, or cow or camel) is sacrificed.  The meat is then divided into three parts: one for the poor, one for relatives and one for home. 

Wishing you all Eid al-Adha Mubarak - Blessed Feast

Small goat market, Islamabad

Temporary goat market, Islamabad

Decorations for your animals, Islamabad

Decorated goat for sale, Islamabad

Larger decorations for cows and camels, Islamabad

Food for your animals, Islamabad

Goats, temporary road side market, Islamabad

Camel, temporary road side market, Islamabad

Newspaper supplements, a goat would be the equivalent of approximately $A210