Colours of Pakistan set to bloom at Lok Mela

Islamabad’s iconic folk festival to celebrate unity through crafts, music, and traditions

ISLAMABAD:

Islamabad is once again set to dazzle with the colours, sounds, and spirit of Pakistan’s cultural diversity as the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration.

Under the clear autumn skies, the sprawling grounds bustle with artisans giving final touches to their stalls, musicians tuning their instruments, and the scent of traditional food filling the air — heralding the grand opening of ‘Lok Mela 2025’, the country’s most awaited folk festival.

Organised by the Lok Virsa under the National Heritage and Culture Division, the 10-day festival will run from November 7 to 16, turning the capital into a vibrant showcase of Pakistan’s folk heritage.

This year’s theme, ‘Celebrate Pakistan’s Colours, Crafts, and Culture — all in one place’, captures the essence of the event — a joyful union of provinces, traditions, and communities.

Pavilions representing Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Gilgit-Baltistan, (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are being set up with distinctive decorations reflecting each region’s identity. Artisans are arranging displays of embroidered textiles, mirror work, pottery, and handmade jewellery.

In another corner, woodcarvers from Chiniot, Ajrak printers from Sindh, and women embroiderers from Balochistan prepare to showcase their skills to the thousands of visitors expected to fill the grounds.

The International Pavilion — a major attraction last year — will be even larger this time, with around a dozen foreign countries participating to share their crafts and performances alongside Pakistani artists. Flags of friendly nations already flutter above their designated spaces, adding a global charm to the festival’s atmosphere.

Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khichi said ‘Lok Mela’ represents Pakistan’s true soft power and creative strength. “It’s not merely a festival; it is the living heartbeat of our identity,” he said. “When our artisans, musicians, and storytellers gather here, they remind the world that Pakistan’s culture is its greatest source of unity and pride.”

The festival will come alive every evening with ‘Cultural Nights’ dedicated to the rich musical traditions of each province. The opening day, November 7, will feature a grand inaugural ceremony followed by a ‘Qawwali Night’, setting a spiritual tone for the celebrations.

‘Balochistan Night’ on November 8 will highlight the region’s deep rhythms and soulful dances, while ‘Punjab Night’ on November 9 will fill the air with ‘Bhangra’ beats and traditional folk songs.

A special ‘Dhol Mela’ on November 10 will celebrate Pakistan’s rhythmic traditions, with subsequent evenings spotlighting the cultures of Sindh, K-P, G-B, and AJK. The 10-day festival will conclude with a grand closing ceremony and musical night on November 16.

Executive Director of Lok Virsa, Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem, said that since its inception in 1981, ‘Lok Mela’ has remained a symbol of Pakistan’s cultural continuity and resilience. “This is where the artisans of Pakistan tell their stories through the textures of their crafts, the rhythm of their songs, and the beauty of their traditions,” he said.

The venue is being adorned with traditional motifs, regional flags, and handcraft installations, while food courts are preparing to serve ‘sajji, chapli kebab, haleem, biryani, and jalebi’, offering visitors a taste of Pakistan’s culinary diversity.

Enhanced security arrangements, improved crowd management, and family-friendly facilities have also been put in place to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

As the final touches unfold — lights twinkling across pavilions, artisans arranging their masterpieces, and drums echoing in the background — the excitement in Islamabad is unmistakable. In just a few days, the city will be awash in colour, laughter, and song, as Lok Virsa’s ‘Lok Mela 2025’ once again becomes a living portrait of Pakistan’s unity, talent, and timeless heritage.