The ongoing Folk Festival “Lok Mela” organized by National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), National History and Literary Heritage Division, Government of Pakistan here at Shakarparian is in full swing.
Hundreds of master artisans, folk artists, folk musicians and folk dance groups from every concern of Pakistan are participating in Mela and performing at special pits set up by Lok Virsa. Provincial pavilions erected by provincial culture departments depicting their indigenous folk heritage, arts, crafts, music, cuisine, etc. are major attraction of the 10-day Lok Mela.
Artisans and artists from various provinces, regions and even remote and far-flung areas come to federal capital, meet each other and exchange their expertise and technical know-how through this national event. In this way, this festival serves to create national harmony and integration among all federating units while providing them equal opportunity of showcasing their beautiful cultural traditions. This unique event which has now attained public importance and household name “Lok Mela” was initiated in 1981. Millions of visitors attend it every year and take with them enjoyable memories full of cultural entertainment.—INP
