Folk rhythms mark Lok Mela opening

Artists from across country open festival with traditional performances, cultural displays

ISLAMABAD:

The 10-day annual folk festival "Lok Mela 2025", organised by Lok Virsa under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, was formally inaugurated today at 5.00pm. at the Lok Virsa Open Air Theatre.

During the opening ceremony, various folk artists from across the country performed traditional songs and dances, receiving enthusiastic applause from the large audience.

As part of a cherished annual tradition, one master craftsman, one craftswoman and one folk artist are honoured each year through the presentation of a shawl or turban as a mark of respect. This year, the honours were bestowed upon a master craftswoman of Stone Carving from Gilgit-Baltistan and a renowned folk artist from Kashmir, Bano Rahmat.

Lok Virsa Executive Director, Muhammad Waqas Saleem, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude. Highlighting the significance of the festival, he said, "This festival serves as a vibrant platform that connects all the federating units of Pakistan through cultural expression.

It promotes national harmony and unity among the provinces and provides artisans and folk performers from across the country the opportunity to showcase their skills at a national level."

He added that the festival aims not only to celebrate and honour the country's master artisans, craftsmen and folk artists, but also to encourage them to continue their traditional crafts so that Pakistan's rich cultural heritage may be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Addressing the audience, the Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture expressed his pleasure, stating, "It is indeed an honour for me to be here for the first time in my official capacity. I am delighted to see that under this Ministry, institutions like Lok Virsa are working professionally and effectively to promote Pakistan's culture and introduce it to the world in a beautiful manner. We will continue to support and appreciate such initiatives that help counter extremism and foster social harmony."

The Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi graced the occasion as the chief guest. Speaking at the event, he said, "Undoubtedly, this festival reflects the government's commitment to promoting initiatives that serve public welfare, celebrate cultural diversity and offer meaningful and healthy recreational opportunities for the people of Pakistan."

The festival will continue until November 16, 2025. Entry tickets are priced at Rs200 per person, while a discounted rate of Rs100 per person is available for students.