Lok Mela cherishes AJK's heritage on 7th day

Thousands of visitors gather to witness mesmerising celebration of Kashmiri folk traditions, music and dance

ISLAMABAD:

The seventh day of Lok Mela resonated with the soulful rhythms and rich cultural heritage of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).

Thousands of visitors, exceeding 200,000 attendees, gathered to witness a mesmerising celebration of Kashmiri folk traditions, music, and dance at the Open Air Theatre.

The highlight of the evening was the Kashmir Musical Night, featuring a lineup of acclaimed Kashmiri artists and folk singers who transported the audience to the scenic valleys of AJK through their melodious performances.

Among the performers were Altaf Mir, Ashiq Hussain Butt, Sohail Abbasi, Syed Dilawar Abbas, Nadir Khan, Hina Abbasi, Shakeel Ahmed Mir, Shahzeb Hussain, Sajjad Kashmiri, Natasha Khan, Raja Imran, Basit Sheikh, Noman Saleem, Babar Panjkoti, and Bano Rahmat.

Accompanying them on traditional instruments were Anwar Ali (Keyboard), Muhammad Maroof (Tabla), Sunny Gill (Dholak), and Muhammad Badar Khan (Rubab) - whose rhythmic beats and soulful tunes added depth to the night's musical aura.

The performances beautifully reflected the cultural richness, linguistic diversity, and musical legacy of Kashmir - blending folk, pahari, sufiana, and gojri traditions into an unforgettable concert of unity and artistry.

Audiences responded with heartfelt applause, celebrating Pakistan's diversity under the theme of "Unity in Colours – Lok Virsa ka Sang."

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed artisan stalls, traditional cuisines, puppet shows, and cultural pavilions showcasing the heritage of all provinces.

The Kashmir Pavilion drew particular admiration for its intricate hand embroidery, wooden craftwork, and regional delicacies.

Lok Mela continues to welcome the public daily from 10am to 10pm at Lok Virsa until 16 November 2025.

Executive Director Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem expressed pride in the overwhelming participation, noting that "Lok Mela brings together Pakistan's living heritage - reminding us that our cultural diversity is our greatest strength."