Visitors, patrons throng Lok Mela
A visitor takes keen interest in cultural and traditional items while an elderly woman weaves clothes on a handloom at the Lok Mela under way in Islamabad. Photo: Online
Attendance at the Lok Mela continues in full swing as the seven-day annual folk festival entered its second day of showcasing Pakistan’s culture, traditions, and heritage.
Spectators and patrons of the arts – including foreigners – came from all corners of the twin cities to spend an enjoyable day at the cultural fair, which is being organised by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (NIFTH) and the Lok Virsa Museum.
Traditionally decorated pavilions were adding to the overall beauty and colours of the festival, while artisans and craftspeople busy creating unique handicrafts were among the main attractions of the event.
The pavilion representing the province of Punjab was also a tastefully decorated affair and exhibited the vibrant culture of the region to the fullest.
As is the norm at the Lok Mela, all provinces of the country take turns to organise a Grand Musical Night, with the Punjab Musical Night scheduled to be held today (Wednesday) at 7pm, in which folk singers will put forth their skills to entertain the public.
Traditional food such as saag, makai rotis and lassi is also being served in the Punjab pavilion.
More than 100 master craftsmen and craftswomen in 50 stalls showed off their expertise in bone work, lacquer art, tie and dye, block-printing, wood carving, weaving, khaddar weaving, basketry, pottery, embroidery, camel bone carving, shoe craft, needlework and many more arts.
Lok Virsa Executive Director Talha Ali said that Pakistan’s rich and varied heritage has a craft tradition as old as 9,000 years, dating back to the Mehergarh civilisation in Balochistan and the famed Indus Valley Civilisation of Moenjo Daro and Harappa, which was clear as ancient pottery articles that were excavated from these archaeological sites.
While some artisans have been a regular fixture at Lok Virsa festivals, first-timers were of the view that events like these not only gave them a chance to educate people about their work but also told countless stories about the unique cultures and traditions of all the cultures and provinces of Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2021.