KP to Showcase Culture, Tourism at Lok Mela
News Desk
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) is set to establish the KP Pavilion at Lok Mela, aiming to highlight the province’s diverse culture and vast tourism potential, and to earn further recognition for the region.
Advisor to the KP Chief Minister on Culture and Tourism, Zahid Chanzeb, announced the initiative during a meeting at the KPCTA’s Conference Room.
He emphasized that the pavilion would serve as a platform to showcase the province’s cultural richness and tourism opportunities at the folk festival, scheduled to take place in Islamabad from November 8 to 17.
In addition to KP, pavilions from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other provinces will also be present to display their unique cultural identities and tourism prospects during the event.
Chanzeb noted that artisans from various districts in KP would have the opportunity to set up stalls, showcasing their skills and selling handicrafts.
The pavilion will feature traditional rubab music and captivating dances from the Kalash and Khattak communities, providing a lively atmosphere for tourists.
KPCTA Director General Tashfeen Haider mentioned that millions of local and foreign tourists visit the pavilion each year.
This year, over 25 stalls displaying handicrafts and cultural items will be featured, along with a selection of traditional KP foods such as Painda, Chapli Kebab, Tikka Boti, and Chicken Boti. The Kalashi cultural dance and rubab music will be additional highlights of the festival.
The KP Pavilion will also present videos and documentaries showcasing various tourist destinations and traditional foods from the province, complete with an information desk to assist visitors.
A special musical gathering at the KP Pavilion is scheduled for November 13, featuring performances by local artists and singers.
Tashfeen Haider reiterated that the participation in Lok Mela aims to project a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sharing the province’s rich cultural and traditional heritage with the world while supporting local artists.
The much-anticipated annual Lok Mela will be held at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) from November 8 to 17, presenting a diverse cultural extravaganza for art lovers.
Organized by Lok Virsa, an autonomous cultural organization under the National Heritage and Culture Division, preparations for the event are in full swing to ensure its success with various attractions.
This year’s festival marks the golden jubilee celebrations of Lok Virsa (1974-2024), featuring several new and innovative attractions aimed at promoting Pakistan’s indigenous folk heritage, fostering national harmony and integration among all federating units through cultural perspectives, and providing a vital platform for master artisans, folk artists, musicians, and dancers to showcase their talents on a national stage.
