A flavour of Balochistan in the capital

Camel dance, ethnic beats and spicy Sajji greet visitors.

In the ongoing cultural festival at the Lok Virsa, attractions from Balochistan came into play on Tuesday, said a press release issued by the organisers.

An enclosure titled “the Balochi pavilion” was dedicated to the Balochi arts and crafts, music, dance and cuisine. At the venue, there were 50 craftspersons, 20 folk artists and musicians and four folk dance troupes each comprising 10 to 15 dancers and performers.

Among other artisans, Kaneez Fatima, 42, displayed her embroidery. She learnt the decades-old craft from her mother and has been practicing it for about 30 years now. This was her fifteenth year at the festival, previously she has won a number of prizes and accolades for her work.

The dance troupes entertained the audience with their distinctive attire and riveting dance moves like Pushtun Athan, Leva (camel dance), Balochi Chaap party, Noshi and Kharan. With their synchronised moves, they entertained the onlookers tirelessly.

Meanwhile, scores of people were seen devouring Sajji, a speciality of the mountainous region.

“One can see the glimpses of every corner of Pakistan in the lush green surroundings of Shakarparian hills. This enhances the beauty and landscape of the federal capital,” said Rashid Amin, a visitor.

Saudi deputy FM visits the festival

Deputy Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, accompanied by his entourage also visited Lok Virsa.

On arrival, the distinguished delegate was given a very warm welcome by a group folk dancers and dholis (drummers) attired in traditional beautiful costumes.

Officials from the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration, including the Federal Minister Samina Khalid Ghurki, received the delegates, who were then briefed about the festival by Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid.

The dignitary was taken around the various creative displays at the first ethnological museum of Pakistan, popularly known as Heritage Museum, portraying living folk culture and lifestyles of the people represening each and every corner of the country.

The delegate was particularly impressed by the “Hall of Sufis and Shrines” where services of the sufis and scholars have been creatively explained through a dioramic form. The visit ended with a short live musical performance by folk artists.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Goodwill Ambassador for Women Empowerment Fiza Batool Gilani also visited the festival.

Lok Virsa is doing a great service to the nation by safeguarding Pakistan’s indigenous folk culture and supporting traditional practitioners, she said. She also announced six awards of Rs10,000 each for female artisans.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2012.