ISLAMABAD: The heart of Islamabad is all set to pulsate with a vibrant tapestry of Pakistani culture as Lok Mela-2023 starts at Lok Virsa on Friday, depicting the rich cultural diversity of all provinces amid the highlights of unique artistry, music, cuisines and traditions of each region.

Lok Mela is considered a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage as the 11-day (Nov 3–13) extravaganza promises to be a captivating journey through diverse traditions, crafts, music, and flavours that define Pakistan.

The festival, organised by the Cultural and Heritage Division, is an annual event that also brings together artisans, performers and culture enthusiasts from every corner of the country. Visitors can expect a myriad of activities from folk music and dance performances to traditional crafts and culinary delights.

The stalls and pavilions will represent all provinces as the Mela is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural diversity.

The festival, “Peace and Harmony through Cultural Diversity,” will showcase the richness of Pakistan’s cultural heritage through a variety of attractions, including provincial pavilions, shopping and food stalls, musical programmes, arts and crafts demonstrations, and traditional skills.

Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah said Lok Mela will be a greater source of establishing national cohesion and promoting cultural diversity besides providing quality entertainment to the people.

He said the rich culture and traditions of all four provinces, in addition to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, will be presented in the festival in a befitting manner while handicrafts, artwork and leather work will be a great source of attention for the visitors.

To enthrall the audience, Mr Shah said Lok music of all provinces would be presented. Moreover, stalls will also offer a variety of foods from all parts of the country.

Terming such festivals a instrumental in projecting the talent of budding artists, the minister urged the revival of cultural and traditional festivals in all parts of the country.

Expressing sorrow over the massacre of innocent Palestinians by Israel, the minister announced that all the events of the festival will be held in expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

He said a specific stall will be reserved for the collection of funds for Palestine and the ministry was in contact with the embassy of Palestine in this regard.

He said a conference had also been convened of language experts from the country to convert the rhymes, Lok poems, songs and literature into attractive videos, animations, and illustrated books.

The minister said infrastructure, including theatres, will be revamped with the coordination of the Capital Development Authority and the Ministry of Interior to provide quality entertainment to the people.

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of performers, including Sufi and folk artist Areeb Azhar, as well as musicians from all over Pakistan, playing traditional and fusion music on various instruments, including the suroz, a traditional Balochi musical instrument.

The visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to experience traditional Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tea, shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs, and learn about traditional crafts such as pottery and stone carving. One of the highlights of the festival would be the Sajji Stall. Sajji is a traditional Balochi dish prepared with grilled meat.

This year’s Lok Mela will also revive two long-lasting elements of the festival: folk theatre and putli tamasha. Folk theatre is a traditional form of Pakistani theatre that features live music, dance, and storytelling. Putli Tamasha is a type of puppet show that is popular in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, a senior official at Lok Virsa said, “As we embark on this journey, we invite the public to immerse themselves in the captivating stories, vibrant colours, and melodious tunes that make Pakistan truly extraordinary.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2023