Lok Mela: Preserving identity in a swirl of colour

Festival continues into its second day, highlighting Sindhi culture and artists.

ISLAMABAD:

Sindh and its colours were on display at the second day of the Lok Virsa Mela that is continuing in the capital.

Providing a much welcome break in the mundane urban life, the ground at Lok Virsa in Shakarparian was split into four principal areas where the handiwork of artists from the four provinces was on display. Some of the stalls featured on-the-spot artists, which gave visitors an insight into the meticulous process of creation.

Sindh was especially highlighted under the personal supervision of Provincial Minister for Culture Sassi Palejo. A contingent of over 100 participants including master artisans in various fields-- folk artists, rural musicians, instrumentalists and folk dance groups actively participated and showcased their culture.

Handicapped artist, Hyderabad-born Zameer Ahmad Khan worked diligently in a corner, chiselling wooden ornaments with one hand, explaining away his disability as “a minor convenience”. Meanwhile, husband and wife duo of Manzur Malang and Ghulam Fatima, based in Multan, sat calmly on the floor with pieces of colourful paper strewn about them as spectators looked on. When asked how long the duo have been creating paper toys, Malang with purple stained hands casually replied, “since we gained consciousness”.

As families treated themselves to some spicy chapli kebab and saag roti, Sai Mushtaq serenaded the crowd with his powerful vocals.

Some children also tried their hands at clay pottery, gleefully attempting to steady their hands on the swirling clay while master potter Fakhir Mohammad guided them.

Ensuring the local sounds to go with the colours, the organisers had also arranged for performances by folk artists and musicians. These included Raza Alan (singing in the style of legendary folk artist Allan Faqir), Urs Bhatti (alghoza), Ghous Bux Brohi (flute) and Jiram Jogi (murli).

Folk dance groups participating from Sindh are the Sain Dad group (matka dance), Imam Dino (shahnai) group, Agha dance group, Thari dancers, Chandi Faqir group and the Chapli dance group, among others.

The Lok Mela continues until April 15 where each day will showcase different arts and crafts from each area.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2012.