Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) will hold its annual Lok Mela from April 6 to 15 for presenting glimpses of rural Pakistan. The event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration to revive endangered folk arts, crafts and music as well as to promote and safeguard traditional practitioners associated with Pakistan’s folk heritage. “It will serve to disseminate the dynamic creativity of our countryside and give rural folk a pride in their identity,” said Lok Virsa Executive Director, Khalid Javaid on Tuesday. The 10-day festival mainly focuses on provincial harmony and national integration, while highlighting the contribution of the people in building the future of the country. Hundreds of master artisans, folk artists, rural musicians and folk dancers from all over Pakistan, including remote and far-flung regions, will participate in the festival, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation and win recognition for their talent at the national level. “This unique event has become a symbol of the federation’s recognition of our rich cultural diversity and active participation of the people of Pakistan”, Khalid Javaid said.
The festival will feature artisans-at-work exhibition, specially designed pavilions depicting culture and traditions of all provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, silk route pavilion, exotic craft bazaar, stalls by non-governmental organisations, folk song and dance performances, musical concerts, special attractions for children and families.
The event will be a depiction of rural Pakistan for 10 consecutive days.
All federating units and regions on one platform will give a message of unity among the entire nation, Lok Virsa’s chief said.
