The fourth day of the THAAP events comprised the opening of the craft’s exhibition at the Tollinton Market and performances at the historic Hazoori Bagh, Lahore Fort. The Craft’s Exhibition was organised by the Punjab Arts Council and was held at the historic market of the colonial period known as the Tollinton Market. This exhibition was jointly inaugurated by the Punjab University College of Arts and Design Principal Dr Rahat Masud, Punjab Arts Council Executive Director Ghulam Mustafa, and Prof Sajida Haider Vandal, trustee of THAAP along with all the teachers of Punjab University and National College of Arts.
The occasion was well attended and the displayed craft was of the utmost brilliance. The exhibition displayed the rich cultural heritage of Lahore. The evening comprised of colourful performances full of folk songs and recitations while music lovers came in large crowds to view the performances. The evening was organised by the Punjab Lok Sujag and Punjab Lok Rahs. From Rahim Yar Khan came Krishn Lal Bheel, who performed various folk songs of the area. He belongs to Cholistan and his local language is Marwari, but the musical genius can also sing in Hindi/Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Urdu Saraiki, Registani and Rajasthani. Typical of his style he played the Ektara, a folk stringed instrument especially used in the Indus plains, while singing.
There was a performance by Arif Sulehri from Narowal, and Saeein Mushtaq, followed by some other musicians who recited Ustaad Daaman’s poetry, who is acknowledged as one of the great Punjabi poets. The Hazoori Bagh is known as one of the most unique meeting places since the Mughal era. It was built by Maharaj Ranjeet Singh who used to hold open court there and solve public problems on the spot. Later during British times it became an open public place where people themselves took the initiative to follow in Ranjeet’s footsteps and hold public meetings. This carried on for about 150 years.
The evening started with a walk through the Walled City of Lahore in different groups which proceeded towards the Hazoori Bagh gateway. Dholis played the traditional dhols along the walking crowd and the spectacle of masses of people coming out from the streets of the Walled City towards the Hazoori Bagh Garden mesmerized the entire gathering. It reminded of the life of the place in its former glory of festivities, poetry and literary exchanges at the Bagh. Architects, artists, performers, theatre, poets, and students attended the event. There was a Folk Sangeet Akath, a Heer Recitation, Kalam of Ustad Daaman and a Dholi performance.
