Preserving heritage: Songs of Pamir ring at Lok Virsa

Performers showcase folk song, dance at event

The beat, strum and tune of traditional drums, rabab, and surnai from the towering mountain ranges of Himalaya filled the air at the Open Folk Theatre of Lok Virsa on Saturday.

Musicians and dancers from the remote Pamir region in Gilgit-Baltistan performed at the theatre on Saturday as part of the “Pamir Musical Festival”, organised by Bulbulik Music School, USAID and Lok Virsa.

Various folk singers and dancers from the Hunza and Gojal valley played traditional music using their traditional instruments at the event.

They were joined by students of the Bulbulik Music School - an initiative of the Gulmit Educational and Social Welfare Society to preserve Wakhi music - sang traditional folk music as well.

Traditional dancers performed Wakhi dances to the folk beat.

The folk music songs which were sung at the event included “Sinsinai” and Kush Ailek Maan Lolo”. Famous singer Fazal Rahman performed Wakhi and Persian songs as well.

Abdul Waheed, the organiser, said that the Bulbulik School was trying to preserve the endangered Pamiri heritage.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said that she wanted to impart our rich folk tradition to the younger generation.

Saeed appreciated the participation of women in cultural events.

“We are adding elements of music and dance into the Lok Virsa museum in an attempt to highlight the importance of music and dance in our culture,” said the Lok Virsa Executive Director.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2017.