Lok Mela: Punjab pavilion - a window to cultural diversity

Punjabi Sufi poetry, cultural heritage is an asset for all people

ISLAMABAD:

The ongoing folk festival, popularly known as the ‘Lok Mela’ continues to attract a large number of people, including foreigners, women and children, providing an ideal opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of the country.

Every pavilion is truly a window to the unique cultural heritage of each province and region.

The Punjab pavilion at the festival is of particular interest to many. Punjab -- literally land of five rivers -- boasts an extraordinary list of literary giants, musicians, singers, Sufi saints and poets.

Punjabi Sufi poets are read throughout the region. A common message in the works of Punjabi Sufi poets such as Sultan Bahu and Bulleh Shah and saints such as Fariduddin Ganj Shakar is of religious tolerance and love for humanity.

On a similar note, in a kafi (Sufi poem) Bulleh Shah encouraging introspection and discouraging vigilantism and intolerance says,

(Translation)

You have learnt so much and read a thousand books

Have you ever read yourself?

You have gone to the mosques and temples

Have you ever visited your soul?

You are busy fighting Satan

Have you ever fought your ill intentions?

According to Alfred C Woolner, late vice-chancellor of the Punjab University the imagery in Punjabi poetry is drawn from country life and simple crafts and it mainly sings of love and God. For Punjabi Sufi poets the two themes are interwoven.

A number of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen and folk musicians from the region entertain visitors at the pavilion, throughout the day.

The general spirit at the stalls is of fanfare and festivity.

Kaneez Fatima, master craftswoman from Shah Jewna, Jhang, is among a number of artisans participating in the festival. The 55-year-old is expert at basketry.

Fatima for the past many years has also been participating in the artisans-at-work festival organised by Lok Virsa. Despite her age and poor eyesight, she is carrying on the tradition.

At another stall, visitors can find craftswomen Tahira and Uzma busy making beautiful embroideries for women dresses.

Suraya from Kahror Pakka makes traditional “chunri” (tie and dye work).

The crafts on display at the Punjab pavilion include lacquer art, Multani blue tiles, tie and dye, block printing, wood carving, darree and khaddar weaving, basketry, pottery, embroidery, zardozi, metal work, camel bone carving, khussa making, and others.

At night at the festival, a cultural stage performance is presented by Fazal Jat, talented son of famous folk artist, Ashiq Jat. Along with his team, Fazal performs legendary folk love story “Dulla Bhatti”.

Outstanding Artisan

One of the outstanding artisans from Punjab pavilion is Ameer Bakhsh. He is expert at using natural dyes. The ancient art of wooden block making has its centres in the lower Indus valley. For printing, a printer dips a block in natural vegetable and mineral dyes and presses the design onto fabric. Bakhsh has not only trained his family members but also imparted training to many others. He also represented Pakistan in the International Indigo Workshop organised by the World Crafts Council in Thailand in 1998.

The Lok Mela will continue with all its festivities and attractions till April 12.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2015.