PHOTO:ONLINE/FILE
Over 500 artists and craftspeople from all the four provinces and two administrative regions of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) had participated in the event, demonstrating an array of skills from singing folk songs, cooking traditional cuisines, performing folk tunes or traditional dances, and preparing traditional crafts in their respective pavilions which had been decorated to showcase their indigenous culture.
Kashmiri artisans and artists who received cash awards were Azra Kausar and Muhammad Siddique for Kashmiri shawl making and Gatka player Muhammad Ijaz.
From Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), cross-stitch artist Shehzadi, Hunza Embroidery artist Sultana Iqbal and Dadang player Kashif Sajjad were awarded.
Artisans from Sindh who received cash awards included farasi weaver Sumela, block maker Imdad Ali Vigheo, bate leaves basket maker Rahiba Rind, Ajrak artisan Zikarya, folk singer Fiza Ali, Murli player Sattar Jogi, Matko dancer Sain Daad and the Ajmal Dandia dance group.
From Balochistan, Saroz maker Arz Muhammad, Gofta maker Gul Seema, Hazargi Embroidery artist Atifa Sadiq, animal stuffer Daad Muhammad Hasani, Brahvi singer Liaqat Parkoi, Dholak player Muhammad Ali, Banjo player Ali Ahmed and Brahvi singer Muhammad Bashir, were awarded.
Those awarded from Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa (K-P) included Kailash woodcarver Rehmat Wali, Phulkari Tasleem Bibi, Karakuli cap maker Muhammad Khalil, wax printer Riaz Ahmed, Dera Ismail Khan embroidery artist Aisha Waseem, Sitar player Zainullah Chirali, Sarinda player Ijaz Sarhadi and Harmonium player Ayaz Khan.
From Punjab, basket maker Kaneez Fatima, Khussa maker Muhammad Ramzan, Lacquer artist Muhammad Ibrahim, Shahnai player Zaman Dhol, folk singer Ahmad Ali, Marwari singer Sitara Lal and Ranti player Munnu Ji took home the prizes.
Parliamentary Secretary for National History and Literary Heritage Division Ghazala Saifi handed out the awards amongst the artists and craftspeople.
She appreciated the efforts of bringing artists and artisans from every nook and corner of the country to a combined platform in the federal capital to showcase the diversity of art and talent in the country.
"The government is fully determined to strengthen national institutions,” she said, adding, “We are aware that no nation can afford to progress in industry, science and technology while utterly neglecting its culture.".
"Culture is the path that leads to provincial solidarity, religious harmony, love, peace and brotherhood amongst the nation," she added.
Later, the parliamentary secretary also visited the different cultural pavilions set up as part of Lok Mela and spoke with the artisans and artists.
Earlier, Lok Virsa Executive Director Anwaarul Haq appreciated the culture departments, art councils, craftspeople and folk artists of all provinces and regions for their cooperation.
"The annual Lok Mela, organised by Lok Virsa, serves as a reminder about the immense wealth of the raw, untapped talent and the diversity of arts and crafts that every nook and cranny of the country offers," Haq said.
Being a weekend, a large number of people flocked to the meal to view cultures from different parts of the country.
Many could also be seen purchasing traditional craft wares such as Balochi Shalwars and Sindhi dresses. With the winter chills setting in and the wedding season in full bloom, there was an immense demand for Kashmiri shawls and Peshawari sandals.
Some visitors also joined the performers as they performed traditional dances to foot-tapping folk beats.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2019.
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