The colours of different and unique cultures across the country have united in Islamabad during the 10-day folk festival of Pakistan “Lok Mela” organised by Lok Virsa – National Heritage & Culture Division – at Lok Virsa Complex, Islamabad.
Separate pavilions of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are decorated in Lok Mela where civilisation and culture shine with harmony and individuality at the same time.
The unique culture and heart-pleasing scenes of the country are scattered everywhere in the folk heritage of Islamabad and there is a diversity of cultures and artists.
Where there is the appetising aroma of the delicious traditional food of the four provinces and the cultural items decorated on the stalls and the women comparing their quality to the price.
Where there is an opportunity to observe not only the works of art but also their creative process. It is also a rare opportunity to see the works of art as they are made and to participate in the process. Because artists from all over the country have done their best.
To find out why and how music fascinates, a large number of fans flock to the National Institute of Folk Heritage, Islamabad, where the annual ten-day “Lok Mela” is going on.
This “Lok Mela” is actually the Mini Pakistan where the unique culture of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir is in full bloom. That is why not only Pakistanis but also foreigners are here waiting for the opportunity to know the ancient and colourful culture of Pakistan.
Separate pavilions of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are decorated where civilization and culture shine with harmony and individuality at the same time.
The Ladi, Sami and Bhangra dances of Punjab, Liwa and Jhomar of Balochistan, Atnar, Khattak and Komber of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Ho Jamalu and Jhomar of Sindh make everyone colorful in the festival.
Not only the artists but also the audience gets excited. Along with traditional music, dhol, flute, al-ghoza, banjo, chimta, sarangi, saranda, ranti, shehnai, chitrali sitar and some other obsolete and dying traditional instruments of ours can be seen and heard here.
What is Ghaggho Ghora? How is pottery made from clay? How are Rili, Ajrak and khussay created? How the grandmother spins the wheel and how the cloth is made from this thread, mothers tell all this to their children.
Foods are not only delicious but also represent the civilisation and culture of a region.
At this fair, traditional spicy dishes are available fresh and hot with their appetizing aroma. It becomes difficult to choose what to eat from Kabuli Pulau, Seekh Kebab, Chipli Kebab, Sindhi Biryani, Bhaji, Balochi Saji, Mustard Green and Corn Roti and Dahi Bhale.
Not only this, there is also a lot to sweeten the mouth. Green tea and Kashmiri tea are also very refreshing in cold weather.
Folk music, puppet show, craft bazaars and talent from all over the country, all have made a heart-stopping way for the fans. Local and foreign tourists are entertained by the different colours of culture from morning to late night. The resounding sounds of Jabja folk artists also attract everyone’s attention to the festival.