Artisans Shine at Lok Mela, Bringing Pak’s Cultural Legacy to Life

News Desk 

Islamabad: The ongoing Lok Mela festival, organized by Lok Virsa, has become a cultural hotspot, drawing crowds with a dazzling display of Pakistan’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions.

Set to run until November 17, this year’s Lok Mela offers an extraordinary showcase of traditional artistry, featuring hundreds of artisans from across Pakistan who are breathing life into their timeless crafts.

The festival presents a vast array of handicrafts that highlight the intricate skills passed down through generations.Visitors can marvel at an impressive lineup of handmade treasures, from delicate embroidery, block printing, and pottery to the colorful world of truck art, wood carving, tie-dye, and traditional shawl weaving.

Other crafts such as Khadar, Zari work, beadwork, Ajrak, metalwork, and lacquer art are also on full display, each piece narrating a story of its region and people.

Among the artisans are Balochistan’s own Bibi Sakina and Mahi Husna, who are captivating audiences with their intricate Balochi embroidery techniques.

Hailing from Badin, Sindh, weaver Badshehzadi demonstrates the depth of Sindhi craftsmanship. Skilled male artisans also shine at Lok Mela, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Muhammad Waseem carrying forward his family’s lacquer art legacy, while Amir Bakhsh from Kahror Pacca showcases the region’s iconic batting craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, Bahawalpur’s Hajara Bibi impresses visitors with her elegant basket weaving.One of the festival’s highlights is 72-year-old Qazi Abdul Razzaq from Kashmir, who has preserved the delicate art of Kashmiri Namda and Ghaba for over fifty years, showcasing a lifetime of dedication to his craft.

Lok Virsa’s commitment to youth engagement is evident through its various programs at Lok Mela, especially the dedicated youth pavilion.

The “Rhythms of Future” musical evening, held at Lok Virsa’s Open Air Theater, provided an electrifying platform for young musicians, celebrating Pakistan’s next generation of cultural ambassadors.This year’s Lok Mela is not only a festival but a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s cultural roots, drawing thousands who seek to explore, learn, and take pride in the country’s timeless heritage.