Lok Mela offers a feast to food lovers

Visitor says kebabs from Quetta are to die for—I've had them every day

ISLAMABAD:

The 10-day Lok Mela festival has turned into a vibrant celebration of Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life to experience the country's traditional food.

Held in Islamabad, the festival offers a culinary journey across Pakistan, featuring an array of regional delicacies. From Peshawar's spicy karhai to Karachi's flavorful biryani, Lahore's sarson ka saag, and Balochistan's famous Sajji, the event is a haven for food lovers.

"The variety of dishes here is amazing," said a resident, while a visitor noted, "I've never tasted such authentic Peshawari kababs outside Peshawar."

The festival aims to foster cultural unity, providing a platform for artisans, chefs, and musicians to showcase their talents. Thousands of visitors attend daily, with many praising the event as a symbol of Pakistan's shared heritage. "Lok Mela has become a yearly tradition for me. The food, music, and crafts are just fantastic," said Maria Ahmed, a visitor from Punjab.

Business owners have also appreciated the overwhelming response from visitors. "We have sold out of our famous Sindhi biryani every day since the festival began," said a food stall owner. Another vendor said, "Lok Mela provides a valuable platform for small businesses like ours to showcase traditional cuisine and crafts."

In addition to food, the festival highlights Pakistan's rich musical traditions and handmade crafts, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Islamabad's mayor lauded the event, calling it "an iconic celebration of our heritage and traditions," and pledged continued support for such initiatives.

Visitors have echoed similar sentiments. "I'm glad to see our cultural heritage being celebrated in such a lively manner," said businessman Tahir Hussain. Food blogger Aliya Fatima added, "The kebabs from Quetta are to die for—I've had them every day since the festival began."

Lok Mela continues to be a cherished event, offering a glimpse into Pakistan's cultural diversity while promoting unity and pride in the nation's traditions