Providing an ideal opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of the country, the ongoing folk festival of Pakistan, commonly known as ‘Lok Mela’, attracted a large number of visitors on Sunday.
It includes exclusive pavilions highlighting the traditions and culture of the provinces and region in Pakistan.
The Punjab pavilion introduces visitors to a wide range of colourful and dazzling crafts along with traditional folk music of the area. There were more than fifty craftsmen and craftswomen sitting at stalls in the pavilion. The work on display showed their skill in bone work, lacquer art (jundri ka kaam), Multani blue tiles, tie & dye, bock printing, wood carving, khaddar weaving, basketry, pottery, embroidery, zardozi, metal work, camel bone carving, shoe (khussa), needle work, etc.
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One of these craftswomen was Hajra Bibi from Bahawalpur who excels at basket-weaving. She weaved many items like baskets, changer, hand-fans, women’s footwear, chhaaj (grain separator), etc.
Another standout artist was Ameer Buhsh, who is an expert in natural dyes. The ancient art of wooden block making has its centres in the lower Indus valley encompassing southern Punjab and Sindh. He has not only trained his family members but also imparted training to many artisans in other crafts of textile.
Riaz Ahmed Mughal from Sargodha was another whose dedication to his craft attracted visitors. He is a master wood lacquer work. He recently received a presidential award as well.
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A performance pit has been created in the centre of the Punjab pavilion. Folk singers and musicians entertain the visitors throughout the day to the rhythm of the ‘dholi’ (drums). Folk artists like Basheer Lohar, Muhammad Aslam, Zafar Lohar, Shaukat Dholi were part of the performers.
The pavilion includes food stalls offering traditional cuisine including cornbread (makai ki roti), mustard greens (sarson ka saag), butter (makhan), Chatti ki lassi, and other popular dishes.
The festival started on November 3 and will continue till November 12. Its theme is peace and harmony through cultural diversity.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2023.
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