ISLAMABAD: The ten-day popular Lok Mela, highlighting colours of all provinces, opened on Friday at Shakarparian. This mega annual cultural event, being organised by Lok Virsa, will continue till April 12.

The inaugural ceremony of the folk festival was held at Lok Virsa Open Air Theatre where Dastarbandi was performed on master craftsman (block maker) from Sindh Imdad Ali Vighio and Chaddar Poshi on nomadic folk singer Zarsanga from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Azam Khan was the chief guest on the occasion. Through these ceremonial gestures, Lok Virsa paid tribute to the services of artisans/artists keeping in view their contribution to the cultural heritage of the country.

While Zarsanga is a known name across the country and in Afghanistan for her singing of ancient nomadic themes, Imdad Ali Vighio practices the rare craft of block making for more than 40 years. His contributions safeguard the age old techniques of the craft.

The chief guest, Azam Khan, appreciated folk artists and artisans for their services to the nation that was striving hard to preserve indigenous folk traditions, promoting and projecting them at the national and international levels.

Around 500 artisans and artists from different parts including remotest regions are participating in the Lok Mela, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation.

The main features of the mela include exhibition of dying crafts of Pakistan, Provincial Cultural Pavilions, Chitral and Kalash Pavilion, folkloric song and dance ensembles, performances by rural musicians, cultural evenings, promotional stalls by public organizations NGOs, craft bazaar, traditional food cuisine, food stalls and special attractions for amusement of children.

A large number of people from different walks of life attended the ceremony and enjoyed entertaining performances by folk artists and musicians.

Visitors at the festival described it as a true depiction of rural Pakistan for which Lok Virsa deserved appreciation.

ED, Lok Virsa, Dr Fouzia Saeed said, “The major thrust of the Mela is the focus on provincial harmony and national integration highlighting the contribution of our people in building future Pakistan.”

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2015

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