Margalla Festival 2013: Punjab highlighted amid ‘fiery’ first-day display

Nine-day festival kicks off at the Arts and Crafts Village.

ISLAMABAD:

With chunks of burnt coal in his mouth, gargling with kerosene oil and spitting out fire, 20-year-old Shakeel Lassi was one of many performers to win over an audience at the Margalla Festival 2013, which began at the Arts and Crafts Village on Saturday.

The festival attracted many families, who had come out to witness all the different cultural performances. A large crowd encircled the “Lassi group”, as they got together with Abdul Lateef Lassi on the xylophone, 12-year-old Farhan on the drums, and Qadir Lassi dancing with others in a circle. The African-inspired “Makraani” fire dance enthralled the audience as they were stunned to see the performers dance in a unique way.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Qadir Lassi said he was returning to the federal capital after four years and was excited to be a part of the festival. Lassi said that the group was from the troubled Lyari area in Karachi and are now dependent on the media to promote this unique talent and keep it alive. “We have learnt this from our fathers and forefathers, but now, due to lack of opportunities, the art is dying,” he said.



Kirshan Lal Bheel from Cholistan was dressed in bright orange outfit and was playing the unique single-string iktara, said little was being done for the promotion of culture and art on the administrative level, adding that whatever the artists were doing is out of personal commitment.  “I have trained 200 students across Pakistan on how to play this instrument. There are no institutions for artists in this country,” he said.

Many renowned artists will perform at the Margalla Festival, which provides a chance to city residents to observe national heritage and culture. Handicrafts stalls with special work on fabric from Bahawalpur, khussa shoes from Punjab, pottery from Multan, and truck art items were also set up.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Tahir Shahbaz and NA-49 Islamabad National Assembly Member Tariq Fazal Chaudhry inaugurated the festival, which has been arranged by the Sports and Culture Directorate. A number of senior officials from the CDA and other government departments were also present.

Shahbaz said the event was meant to provide a recreational opportunity for residents of the federal capital. He said such activities would not only helpful revive traditions, but will also promote a soft image for the country and its rich culture and heritage.

Imran Zubair had come to the mela with his wife and children. Zubair said the event was a great opportunity for his children to learn about the different cultures of Pakistan.

CDA Administration Member Munir Ahmed Chaudhry said June 1 would be celebrated as Punjab day, with artists presenting the culture of the country’s most populous province, while the second would be dedicated to Sindh’s culture, June 4 would go to Baluchistan, and the sixth and seventh would go to Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa respectively. The festival concludes on June 9.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2013.