A 10-day folk festival, popularly known as “Lok Mela” opened Friday at Shakarparian, disseminating the dynamic creativity of countryside and giving rural folk a pride in their identity.
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid inaugurated the mega cultural event, organized by Lok Virsa, National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage which will continue till April 20.
The minister said that the Lok Mela was a true depiction of Pakistani culture and civilization and serves to disseminate the dynamic creativity of our countryside and gives rural folk a pride in their identity. He said that it was worth appreciation that Lok Virsa was striving to preserve our indigenous folk traditions, promote them and project them as this was the need of hour.
Lok Virsa Executive Director Shaheera Shahid gave a brief overview of the concept and objectives of the festival with special reference to the mandate of Lok Virsa.
Earlier, the minister inaugurated a painting exhibition by Lok Virsa artists about Pakistani folk lifestyle and culture.
Folk artists from the four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan performed at the opening ceremony.
The Folk Mela was formally opened with ‘Dastar Bandi’ of famous expert of bloc printing Amir Bux.
