Kashmiri Culture Attracts Visitors At Lok Mela

News Desk

Islamabad: The rich culture, crafts, folk music, rituals, and traditions of Kashmir are being showcased at the Lok Mela through the participation of craftspeople, folk artists, and musicians from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The Kashmir pavilion has been set up by the Azad Kashmir Culture and Tourism Department, and over 25 participants from Azad Jammu and Kashmir are taking part in the festival.

This includes 11 craftspeople in the fields of wood carving, carpets, namda, gaba, Kashmiri shawl, and embroidery: Yasmin Mustafa, Shahzadi Bano, Amjad Ali, Irfan Ghulam Nabi, Jamal Zafar, Sadiq Ali, Kamran Butt, Sheikh Muhammad Yousaf, and Azra Kausar.

Among the prominent artisans is Irfan Ghulam Nabi, a master woodcarver from the Kashmir Valley. He learned this art from his forefathers at the age of seven. Due to the oppressive policies of the Indian occupation forces, his family migrated to Pakistan and settled permanently in Rawalpindi. He is now imparting training to several students, ensuring the continuity of his art for the younger generation.

Irfan uses walnut wood, cedar, and delbergia sissoo (Shisham) to create exquisitely carved furniture, doors, boxes, and decorative items. He often uses teak wood for the most intricately carved items. His carvings depict nature, leaf patterns, animals, and floral designs. Irfan has participated in numerous festivals and exhibitions in Pakistan and abroad, and he has been a regular at the Lok Mela, where he has won acclaim for his talent.

The Azad Kashmir Department of Sports, Youth, and Culture also organized a cultural night at the Lok Mela, featuring many folk artists and musicians from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.