The Village Pond
A Historical and Functional Asset The village pond in Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka...
Welcome to Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, fondly known as the “Village of Dolls.” nestled in the Okara District of Punjab, Pakistan. Our village is a living testament to the power of culture, community, and creativity. At the heart of this transformation is Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama (AFA), a dedicated non-governmental organization, and the Thatta Kedona project, which has brought global recognition to our handcrafted traditions.
A Historical and Functional Asset The village pond in Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka...
Empowering Women in Thatta Ghulamka DhirokaThe Senta Siller School of Home Economics...
Honoring a Lifelong Connection The Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum is a proposed...
Its nice to be be back for this visit with Norbert. His efforts in putting up the pump house and the museum are commendable. One sees the integration of the project with the village! Once again we encouraged the people to keep the tradition of building with mud alive. It's a great learning - life coming back to the future!
First of all it’s helping women to earn their livelihood besides working for emancipation of women in a rural area. I bought a doll from an exhibition held in Lahore and simply fell in love with their products. Hats off to this organisation. God bless!
Dear Farzana, dear Farouq! It was a great pleasure for me to stay in your village. Thank you! Yours Alexandra Scherer.
Celebrate culture and craftsmanship with our unique handmade dolls and other Handicrafts
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An Unforgettable Day in Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka
In 1996, the renowned Swiss artist Vrene Ryser from Basel — known for her magical "Koffertheater" (suitcase theater) — visited Pakistan. During her trip, she also came to the small but vibrant village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in Okara District. Born in Switzerland on June 23 1939, Vrene lived and worked for many years in Basel as a puppeteer and theater educator.
During her visit to the village, she performed at the Senta Siller Design Center (SSDC), presenting a poetic, playful puppet show for the local women and children. With tiny handmade finger puppets, storytelling, and gentle gestures, she enchanted the entire audience — creating a moment of joy, inspiration, and connection.
To this day, the women of the village fondly remember that unique day. It was more than just a performance — it was a heartfelt cultural exchange.
With this post, we not only honor Vrene Ryser's dedication and art, but also pay tribute to the many international volunteers who have visited Thatta Ghulamka and its wonderful handicrafts project Thatta Kedona over the years — bringing creativity, knowledge, and solidarity. Each of them helped shape the spirit of this village into a model of meaningful cooperation. #dolls #koffertheater #handmade #handicraft #handmadewithlove #embroidery #village #thattakedona #okaracity #Pakistan ... See MoreSee Less
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From Playthings to Progress – The Story of Thatta Kedona
In most places, dolls are just childhood toys. But in Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, a small village in District Okara, Pakistan, they’ve become symbols of empowerment and community transformation. Here, local women and girls craft beautiful ethnic Pakistani dolls along with a variety of handmade items. These unique creations are showcased not only at major exhibitions across Pakistan but are also exported internationally. The income generated supports the artisans directly and funds vital welfare initiatives — including access to clean drinking water, healthcare, and environmental efforts like tree plantation.
Recently, Aaj News highlighted this inspiring journey in a special video report on the Thatta Kedona handicrafts project. #dolls #Pakistan #womenempowerment #hanmade #handcrafted #village #villagelife #embroidery #dollsvillage #thattakedona ... See MoreSee Less
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We were delighted to welcome Anjum Saroya, the popular YouTuber with over 250,000 subscribers, to our village and its handicrafts project Thatta Kedona! Along with his friends, he recorded a heartfelt vlog capturing the spirit of our community — and in just one day, it reached more than 10,000 views!
What sets Anjum apart is his deep love for Punjabi language and culture. He always speaks Punjabi in his vlogs, making him a beloved voice among Punjabi audiences around the world.
Thank you, Anjum Saroya, for celebrating our village with your unique lens and warm storytelling! #doll #dolls #Pakistan #women #womenempowerment #embroidery #village #handmade #handcrafted #handicraft #okaracity #thattakedona
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Well done..