Balochistan Pavilion Steals the Show at Lok Mela 2025

News Desk 

Islamabad: The air at Lok Virsa is alive with color, rhythm, and aroma — and right at the heart of it all, the Balochistan Pavilion stands out as a vibrant celebration of the province’s cultural identity.

From intricate hand embroidery to the sizzling aroma of Sajji, visitors are getting a true taste of Balochistan at the Lok Mela 2025.

Set up by the Department of Culture, Government of Balochistan, the pavilion has quickly become one of the festival’s most popular attractions.

The entrance, styled after traditional Balochi architecture, draws visitors in with its earth-toned motifs and ornamental patterns — evoking the warmth and spirit of the province’s rugged yet artistic landscape.

Inside, a world of craftsmanship unfolds. The pavilion features a stellar lineup of master artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving Balochistan’s rich artistic heritage. Among them is Kaneez Fatima, a 48-year-old embroidery artist whose name has become synonymous with Balochi needlework.

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A veteran of 26 Lok Melas, Kaneez’s booth is abuzz with visitors drawn to her vivid designs — each stitch telling a story of patience, tradition, and pride.

Over the years, she has not only showcased her work across Pakistan but also trained dozens of young women, empowering them to turn their traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards and accolades.

“I’ve been coming here for over two decades, and every year I see more young people taking interest in our art,” she shared with a smile. “That’s the real reward — seeing our culture stay alive through their hands.”

Nearby, Arzi Khan, a craftsman from Khuzdar, draws attention with his finely carved wooden instruments and handmade flutes, while Fazal Kakar and Rozi Khan display traditional embroidery and footwear that blend beauty with practicality. Visitors are mesmerized by the diversity of colors, textures, and motifs — each piece reflecting a distinct story from Balochistan’s valleys and deserts.

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No visit to the pavilion is complete without sampling its culinary pride — Sajji. The smoky aroma of the roasted lamb dish fills the air, attracting long queues of food lovers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad eager to savor its authentic flavor. Cooked traditionally over open flames, the Sajji stall has become a cultural bridge, connecting taste buds to tradition.

Adding rhythm to the celebration, the Balochistan Musical Night turned into a crowd-pulling spectacle on Saturday. Renowned folk artists Akhtar Chanal, Urooj Fatima, Zakir Hussain, Muhammad Baloch, and Azeem Jan lit up the stage with soulful performances that echoed through Lok Virsa’s open-air arena. The audience swayed and clapped along, celebrating the raw power and poetry of Balochi music.

As the festival continues until November 16, the Balochistan Pavilion remains a microcosm of the province’s soul — resilient, colorful, and proud. In every handcrafted piece, every melody, and every bite of Sajji, visitors are not just witnessing art; they are experiencing a living heritage that continues to thrive despite time and distance.

Lok Mela 2025, organized by Lok Virsa under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, brings together artisans and performers from across Pakistan, celebrating the unity in the country’s cultural diversity.