Lok Mela: People pour in large numbers to witness work of rural artisans

Over 500 craftspeople could be seen actively demonstrating their work.

ISLAMABAD:

Taking advantage of the holiday, thousands of people made a beeline for Shakarparian to witness the artwork of rural artisans at the ongoing Lok Mela festival. Anxious parents elbowed to get entry tickets for themselves and their children to witness the charm of the rural life in different provinces.

Over five hundred craftspeople could be seen actively demonstrating their work. The dominant historical influence still to be seen in the form, design and color of Pakistani handicrafts was essentially Islamic, a fusion of Turkish, Arab, Persian and the indigenous Mughal traditions.

While moving from one province’s pavilion to another, cultural diversity was clearly evident, and those who had travelled miles to participate in the festival were ambassadors of their regions. Dressed in traditional attire, they attracted crowds with displays of their unique and enriching folk crafts, food items and short cultural performances.

“I think it’s an interesting affair. It’s engaging people, especially children in learning about not just their own [local] culture, but the whole country,” Said Kamran Shahid, a visitor who had come with his family.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Shahera Shahid said that Pakistan’s rich and varied heritage has a craft tradition of more than 9,000 years, dating back to the Mehergarh civilization in Balochistan, which was revealed in the form of ancient pottery products at archaeological sites. The Indus Valley Civilization of Moen-jo-daro in Sindh and the Harappa civilisation in Punjab indicate the impressions of woven cloth production from cotton and wool.

While some artisans have been a regular feature of Lok Virsa festivals, first-timers were of the view that such an event was not just to educate people about their work, but also about the culture and art of other provinces. Moreover, they consider this a good opportunity to exhibit their artwork and increase sales.

The crafts on display include embroidery varieties such as Multani, Bahawalpuri, Hazara, Swat, Balochi, Sindhi, zari and motikari, block printing, lacquer work, Khussa making, pottery, tie and dye, doll making, khaddar (hand-spun cotton)weaving, truck art, wood carving, papier mache, namda and gabba (traditional mattresses), metal work, shawl weaving, traditional carpets, blue pottery, Ajrak, wax printing, stone work, wooden spoon making, pattu (rug) weaving and many others. The 10-day Lok Mela will continue till April 20, from 11am till 10pm every day.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2014.