Lok Mela concludes with call to support local crafts

The Lok Mela festival recently concluded with a call for more government patronage to preserve the country's diminishing traditional crafts and raise the economic well-being of the artisans.

The artisans sought support for traditional arts through market access, government patronage, and youth engagement to ensure these crafts not only survive but thrive in the years to come.

Artisans from all parts of the country displayed their creations, earned recognition and preserve their ancestral legacies. The annual feature of Lok Mela arranged by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) served as a reminder that cultural heritage is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing part of our identity.

This year, a significant number of young artisans graced the festival, many of whom were apprentices learning the trade under the tutelage of their elders.

Participation of these artisans reflected a growing interest among the youth in preserving the cultural treasures of their regions. Samia Inam, a wholesale cloth entrepreneur, shared her journey of employing women from Bahawalpur to produce exquisite hand-embroidered garments. Her dresses, ranging from Rs3,000 to Rs10,000, exemplify intricate craftsmanship.

While buyers increasingly leaned towards branded outfits, Samia believes the uniqueness and durability of hand embroidery are regaining popularity. However, she noted a disparity in earnings, with artisans from remote areas working for minimal wages while sellers earn significant profits.

Naeem Soomro, a Kashigar from Hala, Sindh, captivated visitors with his display of Kashi Kari products such as jars, vases, and fountains. This ancient art form, traditionally limited to blue and white coloured designs, has evolved with vibrant colours to meet modern demand. He, however, lamented the intense labour requirement and the younger generation's waning interest in the craft.

While Lok Mela provides a vital platform for artisans, many expressed concerns about low profitability, lack of patronage, and diminishing interest among the younger generation.

But still, events like these bring hope, connecting craftspeople with larger audiences and opening doors to new opportunities.