Punjab pavilion pulls crowd at Lok Mela

Punjabi folk traditions, songs, dances, crafts and cuisine put on display at the Lok Mela on Sunday were some of the attracts for the citizens of twin cities.

The Punjab pavilion allured visitors with its air of festivity, boasting more than 50 master craftsmen and craftswomen. Nestled in their artistically set-up stalls, they practiced centuries-old craftwork including bone work, lacquer art, tile work, tie and dye, block printing, wood carving, ‘darree’ and ‘khaddar’ weaving, basketry, pottery, embroidery and needlework, ‘zardozi’, metal work, camel bone carving and shoe-making.

One such master artisan was Hajra Bibi, a young basket weaver from Bahawalpur. Her snazzy stall had a variety of items like baskets, ‘changeir’, hand-held fans, ‘chhaaj’ (grain separator) and women’s footwear on offer.

On the other hand, Shaukat Dholi, (who represented Pakistan at an international level and made the country proud) is also present in the festival to entertain the incoming fans.

A clearing in the centre of the pavilion housed colourfully-clad folk singers and musicians, who enthralled the audience with the electrifying beats from their ‘dhols’ (drums).

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2022.