Thatta Kedona

Culture is a Basic Need

Addressing the Clean Water Crisis in Our Village TGD
Thursday, May 8, 2025


There is a growing crisis in our village due to the severe shortage of clean drinking water. This problem is worsening with each passing day, and the consumption of polluted water continues to cause serious health issues, including diseases such as hepatitis and other waterborne infections.

Several years ago, our local NGO, Anjuman-e-Falah-Aama (AFA), managed to restore the decades-old water supply system. However, due to financial limitations, we were unable to install a proper water distribution system at that time.

Thanks to the generous support of Mrs. Aliya Nadeem, wife of our late friend and devoted supporter of our village project, Mr. Nadeem Wahid Siddiqui, we have now been able to take a vital step forward. Mrs. Nadeem has kindly funded the installation of a water distribution point on the outer wall of the village Pump House, making clean water easily accessible to all villagers. Four water taps have been installed to ensure that people can collect water in an orderly and dignified manner, without the need to crowd or push. The clean drinking water is provided free of cost, and we hope this initiative will significantly reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases in our village.


We, the members of AFA and the residents of the village, express our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Aliya Nadeem for her invaluable contribution. We also pray for the soul of Mr. Nadeem Wahid Siddiqui - may he rest in peace and be granted a high place in Jannat (paradise).

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 2:04 PM, No comment,

Punjab's Rich Heritage: Thatta Kedona's Handicrafts at Punjab Industrial Expo
Friday, April 25, 2025


Thatta Kedona, the renowned Pak-German handicrafts initiative from the picturesque village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara, is a standout participant at the ongoing Punjab Industrial Expo. Known for empowering local artisan women and preserving traditional craftsmanship, Thatta Kedona is showcasing its iconic collection of ethnic Pakistani dolls and a wide range of beautifully handcrafted products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.


The expo, which brings together over 200 skilled artisans from across the province, was inaugurated by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at Global Village, Johar Town, Lahore. Running from April 22 to 27, the exhibition offers live demonstrations of traditional and industrial crafts, including calligraphy, linocut, sketching, handloom weaving, black stone carving, mehndi art, silver jewelry, and more.


With free entry for the public, the event is not just a marketplace but a vibrant cultural experience, featuring artisan showcases like Thatta Kedona, traditional Punjabi food stalls, and a variety of engaging recreational activities. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the unique handicrafts and stories behind each piece at the Thatta Kedona stall—a true celebration of creativity, culture, and community.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 2:12 PM, No comment,

Celebrating Punjab's Rich Heritage
Friday, April 18, 2025


The Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore recently hosted a three-day Punjab Culture Day celebration, and Thatta Kedona was proud to represent the Sahiwal Arts Council and Sahiwal Division. The event, held from April 17 to 19, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, featuring traditional music, art, and folk traditions.

Thatta Kedona's stall was a highlight of the event, featuring an array of vibrant handicrafts that showcased the region's unique craftsmanship. The stall's centerpiece was the exquisite handmade ethnic Pakistani dolls, which were a testament to the skill and creativity of local artisans.

The event was honored by a visit from Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, who was impressed by Thatta Kedona's handicrafts. She particularly appreciated the handmade and unique dolls and crafts on display, praising the organization's efforts to promote Punjab's cultural heritage. Provincial Minister Azma Bukhari also visited Thatta Kedona stall.


The Punjab Culture Day celebration is an important event that promotes the region's rich cultural heritage and provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills. Thatta Kedona's participation in the event highlights its commitment to preserving and promoting Punjab's cultural identity.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:59 AM, No comment,

Culture thrives even in little and nothing
Monday, March 24, 2025

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:39 AM, No comment,

NAD‘s Greenland in Dolls' Village TGD - A unique Tree Plantation Drive
Thursday, March 13, 2025


Mr. Nadeem Wahid Siddiqui, a writer, poet, and media advisor associated with Germany's international broadcast network DW, was a close friend and supporter of Thatta Kedona, our village handicrafts initiative. In addition, he was a genuine friend of nature. He departed from us over a year ago. His wife, Mrs. Aliya Nadeem, recently sponsored a tree planting charity in our village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara, Pakistan. Initially we have planted about 150 different fruit plants in addition to a few flower species. In this area, we plan to do more. We appreciate Ailya Bhabi's kind donation.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 3:38 PM, No comment,

Duhla From Punjab
Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Read more »

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:16 AM, No comment,

Thatta Kedona on Samaa TV
Monday, March 10, 2025

On March 8, Samaa TV, Pakistan's private news channel, aired a video report honoring the amazing women artisans in our hamlet, Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, in District Okara, Pakistan, in honor of International Women's Day. These women and girls produce beautiful handicrafts, such as ethnic dolls, that symbolize many parts of Pakistan under the auspices of Thatta Kedona. Dr. Senta Siller, a German anthropologist and designer, started this project over thirty years ago.

Click here to watch. 

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:45 AM, No comment,

گڑیوں کے گاؤں
Saturday, March 8, 2025



پاکستان کے صوبۂ پنجاب کے ضلع اوکاڑہ میں ایک گاؤں ایسا بھی ہے جو 'گڑیوں کے گاؤں' کے نام سے مشہور ہے۔ گاؤں کی بہت سی ہنر مند خواتین گڑیا تیار کرتی ہیں جنہیں مختلف ممالک میں ایکسپورٹ کیا جاتا ہے۔ اس گاؤں میں یہ کام کیسے شروع ہوا اور خواتین کس طرح آگے آئیں؟ جانیے نوید نسیم کی اس رپورٹ میں۔

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:51 AM, No comment,

Pakistan’s crafts for empowerment: Dr. Gwendolyn Kulick's Work


The academic journey of German design researcher and Professor Dr. Gwendolyne Kulick is both extensive and impressive. She volunteered for the Thatta Kedona project from 2004 to 2017 and taught at the BNU in Lahore before moving to the University of Cairo in 2015. She also contributed to the Berlin Ethnology Museum’s Thatta Kedona doll display until 2017. Her doctoral research focused on the Thatta Kedona doll project in the small Pakistani village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, located in the Okara District. Dr. Kulick completed her PhD at the School of Design and Art at Wuppertal University in Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Brigitte Wolf. Her dissertation explored the topic of "Pakistan’s crafts for empowerment." 

This link provides access to key sections of her dissertation, including details about the contributors and their perspectives. 

Here is Thatta Kedona Window at Sahiwal Arts Council.

Here is the complete YouTube video.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:40 AM, No comment,

Thatta Kedona at DACCHI Bazaar in LAHORE
Monday, February 17, 2025

Some impressions from 8-9.Feb 2025


Thatta Kedona is a vibrant handicrafts initiative nestled in the picturesque village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, Okara district, Pakistan. This enchanting project showcases an exquisite array of handmade dolls, alongside a kaleidoscope of colorful handicrafts. Recently, these stunning creations were exhibited at the prestigious Daachi Arts & Crafts Exhibition in Lahore, captivating audiences from February 8th to 9th, 2025.


The Thatta Kedona initiative is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan, with its handicrafts beautifully showcasing the traditional costumes and customs of various regions. Founded over 30 years ago by renowned German artist, designer, and anthropologist Dr. Senta Siller, Thatta Kedona is proudly affiliated with the local NGO Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama (AFA), further underscoring its commitment to empowering local communities through artisanal craftsmanship.


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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 2:55 PM, No comment,


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