Cultural event continues to fascinate residents on day 2

Lok Mela promotes harmony among provinces

ISLAMABAD: A large number of people visited the mega cultural event of Pakistan popularly called Lok Mela on the second day. The event was organised by National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) and was held at Shakarparian, Islamabad.

However, the chilly weather of Islamabad created difficulties for the folk singers from Sindh on the second day and due to poor arrangements, the event site resembled a pond after the rain.

Nonetheless, the beautifully decorated cultural pavilions each representing culture of the provinces and other areas of the country caught the public eye and added to the beauty of the surroundings. The artisans and craftsmen coming from across the country caught the attention of the visitors through their well-prepared crafts finished with expert-level skills.

Hundreds of master artisans, folk artists, folk musicians and folk dance groups from every concern of Pakistan are participating in Mela and performing at special pavilions set up by Lok Virsa.



The residents of the twin cities as well as people coming from different backgrounds showed a deep interest in indigenous craft items and cultural material while a number of school students came to the mela as part of their educational cultural trip.

Furthermore, up to 14 stalls were setup in the Kashmir pavilion where different items depicting Kashmiri culture and heritage were put on display. The female visitors liked and purchased various Kashmiri dresses, gems, jewelry, embroidery and handicrafts.

Visitors also appreciated the taste of Kashmir’s traditional dishes being offered while Kashmiri tea remained the most wanted commodity.

Provincial pavilions erected by provincial culture departments depicting their indigenous folk heritage, arts, crafts, music,  cuisine, etc. are major attraction of the 10-day Lok Mela.

Artisans and artists from different provinces, regions and even remote and far-flung areas come to federal capital, meet each other and exchange their expertise and technical know-how through this national event.

In this way, this festival serves to create national harmony and integration among all federating units while providing them equal opportunity of showcasing their beautiful cultural traditions.

This unique event which has now attained public importance and household name ‘Lok Mela’ was initiated in 1981. Millions of visitors attend it every year and take enjoyable memories full of cultural entertainment with them.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2019.