Lok Mela: A Gateway to Cultural Diversity, National Unity, Says Jamal Shah

News Desk

Islamabad: National Heritage and Culture Caretaker Minister Jamal Shah on Thursday emphasised Lok Mela’s role in fostering national unity and celebrating cultural diversity.

Jamal Shah also highlighted the significant role of Lok Mela in strengthening national cohesion and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural diversity in the country. He said that the event not only provides quality entertainment but also serves as a vital platform for promoting cultural heritage and traditions, bringing people together from different backgrounds to celebrate the vibrant culture of the nation.

The rich culture and traditions of all four provinces, in addition to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, will be presented in the festival in a befitting manner, while handicrafts, artwork and leather work will be a great source of attention for the visitors, Jamal Shah added.

The heart of Islamabad is all set to pulse with a vibrant tapestry of Pakistani culture as Lok Mela-2023 kicked off at Lok Virsa on Friday.

The Lok Mela is considered a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage as this 11-day (November 3-13) extravaganza promises to be a captivating journey through diverse traditions, crafts, music and flavours that define Pakistan.Organised by the Cultural and Heritage Division at Lok Virsa Islamabad, the festival is an annual event that also brings together artisans, performers and culture enthusiasts from every corner of the country. Visitors can expect a myriad of activities, from folk music and dance performances to traditional crafts and culinary delights.

The festival is themed ‘Peace and Harmony through Cultural Diversity’ and will showcase the richness of Pakistan’s cultural heritage through a variety of attractions, including provincial pavilions, shopping and food stalls, musical programs, arts and crafts demonstrations, and traditional skills.

To enthral the audience, Shah stated that the Lok music of all provinces would be presented. Food stalls will offer a variety of rational foods from all parts of the country to the people. Terming such festivals as instrumental in projecting the talent of budding artists, Culture Minister urged the revival of cultural and traditional festivals in all parts of the country.

This year’s Lok Mela will also revive two long-lasting elements of the festival: folk theatre and ‘putli tamasha’. Folk theatre is a traditional form of Pakistani theatre that features live music, dance and storytelling. Putli tamasha is a type of puppet show that is popular in Pakistan.Senior Official at Lok Virsa said, “As we embark on this journey, we invite the public to immerse themselves in the captivating stories, vibrant colours, and melodious tunes that make Pakistan truly extraordinary.”

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of performers, including Sufi and folk artist Areeb Azhar, as well as musicians from all over Pakistan, playing traditional and fusion music on various instruments, including the suroz, a traditional Balochi musical instrument.

The visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to experience traditional Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa tea, shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs, and learn about traditional crafts such as pottery and stone carving.

Expressing sorrow over the massacre of innocent Palestinians by Israel, Minister Jamal announced all the events of the festival will be held in the expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The Minister further said a specific stall will be reserved for the collection of funds for Palestine and the Ministry is in contact with the embassy of Palestine in this regard.

A conference has also been convened of language experts from the country to convert the rhymes, Lok poems, songs, and literature into attractive videos, animations, and illustrated books, added Shah.

Minister said infrastructure, including theatres, will be revamped with the coordination of the Capital Development Authority and the Ministry of Interior to provide quality entertainment to the people.