ISLAMABAD: Folk festival of Pakistan “Lok Mela” which opened here at Shakarparian on last Friday is in full swing.
This mega cultural event is organized by National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), a specialized institution working for the promotion and preservation of Pakistan’s traditional culture.
Culture pavilions established by different provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir are the major attraction of the festival. While visiting the festival grounds one can see an aesthetically designed colourful pavilion depicting the rich culture and traditional architecture of the land of Sufi saints – Sindh province.
Coordinated by Sindh culture department, a contingent of over hundred participants including master artisans in various craft fields, folk artists, rural musicians, instrumentalists and folk dance groups is actively participating and showcasing their beautiful cultural heritage at the federal capital.
Sindh is famous for a wide range of folk crafts like lacquer art, farasi weaving, blue pottery, Sindhi embroidery, Ajrak, block printing, traditional carpet weaving, rilli (appliqué work), tie-dye, khes weaving, wood works, Thari embroidery and several others, which all have been showcased at the festival.
The craftspeople who are seen demonstrating their artistic work at the Sindh pavilion include Faqeer Muhammad in pottery, Muhammad Suleman in lacquer art, Haleema Bibi, Parri Bibi in farasi weaving, Ms. Siyani Bibi in lungi & khes weaving, Sarran in charka weaving, Qadir Bukhsh Jani in blue pottery, Khan Chand in traditional shoes, Qadir Bukhsh in ajrak, Gul Khatoon in handlooms, Arbab Ali in block printing, Muhammad Aslam in sussi weaving, Abdul Majeed Soomro in ajrk block printing, Zaheeran & Badshahzadi in rilli & embroidery work and others.
Muhammad Suleman is a craftsman who catches the visitors eye. He is a bonafide artisan in lacquer art (jundri ka kam) from Hala. He has a vast knowledge and experience in practicing this ancient craft.
Sindhi musical night will be held on 5th April at 7 pm at Lok Virsa open air theatre. A number of eminent folk artists, musicians and performers from Sindh province will perform live in a concert at Lok Mela.
The Lok Mela continues with all its activities and attractions. Daily timings are 11 am to 10 pm. Entry ticket is Rs.30/- per head for adults and Rs.20/- per head for students. NNI
