There are unfortunately few places in Pakistan that depict the diverse culture of the country. The many traditions of different regions that become one under the name of the country. The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa, situated in the capital city is one such national heritage centre. And it is all set to host a 10-day-long folk festival, from November 2 to 10, which would perhaps be the biggest festival of this nature in the country.
It is commendable that in an uncertain political atmosphere that currently plagues the country, Lok Virsa is set to mirror ‘the colours and warmth of diverse cultures from all over Pakistan’. Hundreds of master artisans, folk artists, rural musicians and folk dancers, hailing from remote and far-flung regions, are all set to participate in the festivities.
In an atmosphere where lines are often blurred and truth is overtaken by dubious claims, national heritage museums or festivities like this become increasingly significant as it defines the country’s identity. It is for festivities such as these that the masses, especially our disconnected youth, become aware of Pakistan’s diversity. The museum represents the history and living traditions of people from all regions of the country. Thus it is important that festivities are held as scheduled and similar sites are also preserved and built in other urban cities of Pakistan. Lok Virsa is the country’s only state museum of ethnology. We celebrate all it stands for.
On the other hand, while the holding of the folk festival is acknowledged, it is important that Lok Virsa’s management pay heed to the troubles that were created in its previous such offering. Visitors to the museum had previously demanded of the management to make arrangements for running a shuttle service from closest point of public transport route to facilitate maximum number of visitors. The museum should be made accessible to everyone and not just a certain segment of society.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2018.
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