ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa, which is an autonomous cultural organisation working under the patronage of government of Pakistan, has announced to hold its annual folk festival popularly known as “Lok Mela” from today (April 1st).
Lok Mela will continue till April 10, 2016 with all its festivities and attractions. Daily timings are from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
While addressing a press conference, Lok Virsa’s Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed informed that the festival is scheduled from today (April 1st to 10th) at Lok Virsa Complex in Garden Avenue, Shakarparian. The inaugural ceremony of the 10-day festival will take place today (Friday) at 7pm, which is going to be graced by Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid.
The inaugural ceremony was held at Lok Virsa Open Air Theatre. Senator Pervez Rashid, federal minister for information, broadcasting and national heritage, was the chief guest on the occasion. Imran Gardezi, federal secretary of information, broadcasting and national heritage, was also present on the occasion.
The chief guest performed ‘Chadarposhi’ of Khurshid Nauma, an 80-year old master artisan in Sharma weaving and Namda making from Shimshal, Gilgit-Baltistan, and ‘Dastarbandi’ of an eminent Saroz player Sachu Khan from Sui, Dera Bugti. Both the traditional practitioners possess a vast knowledge and experience in their respective fields and contributed a major part of their lives for the continuance of their traditions.
Dastarbandi, a turban in folk mythology of Pakistan, is synonymous to great honour, self-respect and courage.
By placing a turban on some one’s head, a complete trust is rested in that person’s wisdom and his/her stature. Through Dastarbandi or Chadarposhi, Lok Virsa offers tributes to the services of artisans/artists keeping in view their contribution to the cultural heritage of the country.
Around 500 artisans and artists from different parts including remotest regions are participating in Lok Mela, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation.
The daily features of the Mela include provincial cultural pavilions, folkloric song & dance ensembles, rural musicians, cultural nights, shopping mall, craft bazaar, artisans at work, traditional food court and many other attractions.
In his address, Senator Pervez Rashid said, “Pakistan has a very rich and diverse culture. People living in each province and region proudly practice their indigenous folk culture. Lok Mela is a true depiction of rural Pakistan.
It reinforces national harmony and integration by promoting our cultural heritage through active participation of all provincial governments, master artisans, folk artists, performers and musicians.”
It is policy of the government to give balanced representation to all federating units in safeguarding their traditional culture and Lok Mela is the best example of this policy, the minister added.
Earlier, in her welcoming address, Dr Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director Lok Virsa, said Lok Mela focuses on diversity within provinces and provides an opportunity to craftspeople not only to display their artisanship at the federal capital for 10 consecutive days but also to sell their products to public without involvement of middleman; thus enabling them to understand the marketing mechanism of various crafts.
The Mela also serves to afford an opportunity to the diplomatic community to witness authentic folk musical and cultural entertainment, besides buying traditional items at affordable prices.
The theme of the first day of the festival was “Nowruz” and the ambiance of the daylong activities revolved around it.
A special Nowruz table was decorated and placed on stage during the opening ceremony.
A large number of people from different walks of life attended the ceremony and enjoyed thrilling performances presented by folk artists and musicians.
Each province has erected its cultural pavilion focusing on a specific theme. Punjab Pavilion depicts the richness of Cholistan desert and its beautiful traditions and architecture. Sindh has showcased Tharparkar, Balochistan has showcased Makran and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has displayed Chitral. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir cultural departments have also set up their beautiful cultural pavilions at the festival.
