Gilgit-Baltistan makes way to cultural hub

Artists from the region rivet audiences with song and dance at the Lahore Arts Council

LAHORE: The Lahore Arts Council (LAC) has been a clarion call for preserving arts in Pakistan, serving as a platform for artists from different areas to showcase their talent in the cultural capital of the country. In the wake of the spring season, LAC has scheduled a series of events for the next two months, with the aim of entertaining art-lovers in the city. Paving the way for artists from Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) to prove their mettle, the council organised an event at Alhamra Hall 2 on March 24.

Titled ‘Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Show’, the event was jointly organised by LAC and Pakiza Arts and Culture Council Gilgit-Baltistan. It featured renowned artists from the region, including Fida Hussain, Ghulam Nabi, Naveed Tanha, Abdulmajid Barcha, Maraaj Alam Maraaj, Zahid Hussain, Mubarik Ali, Islam uddin, Wajahat Ali, and Iqbal Hussain Iqbal. Extending a warm welcome to the guest artists, the LAC decorated the hall with posters and banners of G-B performers.



Iqbal Hussain Iqbal, president of the Pakiza Arts and Culture Council Gilgit-Baltistan, said, “We are pleased that LAC provided us with the opportunity to show the rest of Pakistan how our valley is rich with talent.” He added, “We want to share our culture and, to this end, hope that such events would continue to take place.”

A notable number of G-B residents, particularly students, were invited to the event. The performers, clad in traditional caps and dresses, riveted the audience by playing Gilgiti music. A few artists were performing in Lahore for the first time, revelling in the encouraging response they received from the city.

While Naveed Tanha belted out ‘Baroshki’ song, Abdul Majid Barcha wowed with Talwar dance. Gilgit’s traditional ‘Sheena’ song was performed by Mubarik Ali, which, along with songs, such as ‘Chalasi’, ‘Rasm-e-shop’ and ‘Piyalo’, exemplified the lifestyle and traditions of the valley. Artists Farhan, Nasar and Kamran were among those who presented traditional dance.

“I’ve released five albums and performed in various parts of the country, but it’s always nice to represent our valley in Lahore,” said Maraaj Alam Maraaj. He said that without governmental cooperation, it’s challenging for artists from far-flung areas to get such opportunities, so the event is a welcome development.

LAC executive director Atta Muhamamd Khan, who was the chief guest at the event, stated, “We wish to promote arts and culture and offer relief to people by organising such entertaining events.” He further said, “Hidden talent of G-B filled our hearts with happiness and they entertained people at the event,” he stated. Khan said that, given the current scenario, Pakistanis need to stand united and this event is an effort towards expressing solidarity among them, adding that more events of this nature will be organised with artists from different provinces.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2015.

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