Sindhi artisans shine at Lok Mela

Captivate visitors with unmatched skills in embroidery, Ajrak printing

ISLAMABAD:

Lok Mela, a 10-day cultural extravaganza at Shakarparian in the federal capital is capturing the hearts of visitors with its vibrant pavilions showcasing the rich folk cultures of various regions.

As the Lok Mela enters its final phase, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse art and culture of Sindh. Among the numerous cultural pavilions, the Sindh pavilion stands out with its aesthetically designed representation of various cultural aspects.

Sindh is renowned for its diverse folk crafts, including lacquer art, farasi weaving (floor rugs), blue pottery, Sindhi embroidery, Ajrak block printing, ralli (appliqué work), tie-dye, khes (hand-woven coarse cotton yarns) weaving, woodwork, Thari embroidery, and more, all beautifully showcased in this pavilion.

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One of the artisans at the event is Khan Chand, a 68-year-old master craftsman specialising in Sindhi shoemaking. With 43 years of experience, he inherited his mastery from his father, a skilled craftsman in his own right. Khan Chand's exquisite Sindhi shoes, made from pure leather, cotton, and silk thread, are famous throughout Sindh. His unmatched quality and craftsmanship have earned him a reputation that extends beyond the province.Over the years, he has trained numerous students in his native town and participated in various festivals and exhibitions, including Lok Mela, for 36 years.

Other talented artisans, including Nadia, Gul Khatoon, and Badshahzadi, showcased their ralli-making skills, while Anila Channa and Ghulam Muhammad displayed their expertise in khes and lungi weaving. Rahiba demonstrated date palm leaf work, Faqeer Muhammad exhibited pottery-making skills, and Sabreen Solangi presented a Moenjodaro replica.

(Top left) a craftsman prints Ajraks in traditional style; (bottom left) a woman weaves yarns at her stall; (right) another artisan showcases her needlework skills at Lok Virsa in the federal capital. Photos: Express

Another fine artisan, Shahzad Khan, impressed the visitors with Farasi weaving, while Fida Hussain and Ghulam Nabi showcased their artistry in Ajrak making.

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To add to the cultural experience, a stage within the Sindh pavilion featured daily performances by prominent folk singers such as Farah Naz and Shaukat, entertaining the Lok Mela visitors with their soulful melodies.

On Friday, the Sindh pavilion held a cultural evening at Lok Virsa's open-air theatre, featuring eminent artists from Sindh, further enriching the celebration of Sindh's art and culture.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2023.