The annual folk festival of Pakistan, the Lok Mela, being held at Shakarparian, under the aegis of the Lok Virsa has succeeded in presenting the true cultural identity of all the provinces and regions.
A unique combination of cultural heritage of all the federating units can be observed while visiting the festival grounds. Representation of each area of the country, including the remote regions, has been ensured.
After the grant of an autonomous status to Gilgit Baltistan by the federal government, this is the second time that Gilgit Baltistan is participating in this national event with a contingent of about 20 people including master artisans, folk artists and musicians.
Among the craftsmen, Aman Wazir is the most prominent. He is a master artisan in the field of embroidery, who learnt the art from his father and mother at an early age.
Samples of some of the most sophisticated and complex traditional embroidery can be seen in the northern parts of Pakistan, especially the Hunza Valley.
Wazir has not only kept this art alive, but also transferred it to scores of boys and girls in the region. He has been participating in various festivals and exhibitions arranged by the Lok Virsa.
Among the other artisans at the GB pavilion, Deedar Ali stood out for his skill in patti weaving (woven strip made from sheep wool).
Folk artists and musicians from GB participating in the festival include Jabir Khan Jabir, Nida Hussain, Ikram Khan, Abdul Hameed, Salim Khan, Salam Habib, Naveed Ahmad, Asif, Muneer and Sher Khan.
Talking to this scribe, Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid said: “This year the festival’s special emphasis was on Gilgit Baltistan because we wanted to create a big silk route pavilion with participants from all districts of the area presenting their indigenous folk culture, arts, crafts, music and cuisine.”
Javaid said that the Lok Virsa had consulted with the Baltistan Government Culture and Tourism Department to finalise the arrangements but the idea could not be materialised due to the prevailing circumstances in the area.
Historically, Gilgit Baltistan has been at the crossroads of various civilisations for centuries. It has a unique location and serves as a confluence for some of the world’s highest mountain ranges-the Pamirs, the Karakoram and the Hindukush. It has also been a place of cultural cross currents.
Living in historical oblivion and geographical isolation from the rest of the world, the people have clung to an agrarian life, raising cattle, tending orchards and harvesting crops.
Gilgit Baltistan is home to a number of diversified cultural entities, ethnic groups and various backgrounds. This can be attributed to the strategic location of Gilgit. In view of the multi-cultural and multi-lingual aspects, people also have a beautiful mix of lifestyles and attitudes presenting a pluralistic society living together with peace and harmony for centuries.
Meanwhile, newly sworn in Federal Minister Raheela Baloch, accompanied by Senator Rubina Khalid visited the Lok Mela. The minister was taken around various pavilions created for Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir depicting their indigenous folk culture, traditions, music and cuisine.
She also witnessed exotic performances given by the folk artists, musicians and folk dance groups participating in the festival. Talking to the media, Baloch highly lauded the efforts of the Lok Virsa in documenting, preserving and projecting the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.
