Written by: Tanveer Ali
Posted on: November 18, 2023 | 
Lok Mela 2024
The much-awaited Lok Mela 2024, organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), started at the Lok Virsa Complex, Shakarparian, Islamabad, on the 8th of November and continued till the 17th of November. The annual Lok Mela showcased the rich and diverse folk heritage, culture, arts, music, craftsmanship, artistry, traditional dances and local cuisines of different provinces and regions of Pakistan.
The objective of the annual mela is to promote the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan, fostering an environment of national harmony and cohesion. It provides a platform for veteran and emerging artists from across the country to showcase their artistic skills at the national level. According to its website, "NIFTH (Lok Virsa) is poised to rekindle its capacity and reimagine its scope vis-à-vis the role of cultural heritage, in ensuring a better future for Pakistanis by strengthening their roots in their identity along with celebrating the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Pakistan."
The Open-Air Theatre at Lok Virsa, where musical programs are organized.
The four provinces of Pakistan, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, as well as Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), each established a pavilion at the festival. The mela featured a vibrant display of local cultures, traditions, cuisines, folk music and dances, offering visitors a rich and immersive experience of the heritage of different regions. The festival started with an inaugural ceremony on 8th November (Friday) at the Open-Air Theatre, followed by Balochistan Cultural Night on 9th November, Punjab Cultural Night on 10th November, Youth Cultural Night on 11th November, Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Night on 12th November, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cultural Night on 13th November, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Night on 14th November, and Sindh Cultural Night on the 15th of November. This year Lok Virsa completed its Golden Jubilee; thus, a special celebration was planned for November 16 to mark the occasion. On the 17th of November, the final day of the festival, awards were given to the artists who stood out for their craft, music performances and art.
Musicians are performing on the occasion of Gilgit Baltistan Cultural Night.
The theme of this year's festival was "Youth of Pakistan", so as to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Lok Virsa. To celebrate youth's achievements, a youth pavilion had been established where young artists, craftsmen, folk singers and storytellers engage audiences with their art to build a lasting connection with the audiences. To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Lok Virsa, a special climate-themed performance was enacted by artists via the fusion of modern and folk music and dance performances. Its purpose was to raise awareness about the dangers posed by climate change to our country and the world, calling for action before the inevitable disaster overtakes us. As Pakistan is amongst those few countries badly affected by the climate change menace, the message propagated by Lok Virsa was much needed.
The provincial pavilions, along with those representing Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), draw the primary focus of visitors. Inside these pavilions, the culture and heritage departments of each region presented a vibrant array of their unique culture, art, music, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and embroidery. Each pavilion offered an immersive experience, highlighting the rich diversity and heritage that define these regions of Pakistan. Collectively, these pavilions offered a captivating glimpse into Pakistan's rich folk and cultural heritage.
A view of the Balochistan Pavilion.
In the Balochistan Pavilion, Balochi traditional dresses, food, artifacts and music that showcase the rich history of the province could be observed. Books on folk history and culture were also on display. The Balochi Sajji was one of the most delicious food cuisines one could eat at the Mela. In the Sindh Pavilion, the rich Sufi culture of the region was prominently showcased, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic heritage that defines Sindh. Folk music compositions of Shah Abdull Latif Bhittai's poetry were a big attraction in the Sindh Pavilion.
Folk singers are singing at the Sindh Pavilion.
The KPK Pavilion featured food, culture, folk music and the Attan dance that is widely popular across the country. Chapli kabab and Qehwa were the two of the most popular food choices here. The Punjab Pavilion featured foods, arts and handicrafts of the province. The Punjabi folk music accompanied by dancers doing the bhangra, added color to the culture and traditions of Punjab. An official of the Lok Virsa expressed his excitement about the Punjab Pavilion: "We are thrilled to see people from all over Pakistan and abroad appreciating Punjab's vibrant culture".
Punjabi musical performance at the Punjab Pavilion.
The AJK Pavilion not only showcased the vibrant Kashmiri culture, music and cuisine but also highlighted the ongoing struggle for freedom, honoring the sacrifices made by past generations. It served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people, inspiring visitors to keep the flame of their struggle for justice and peace alive.
The Gilgit Baltistan pavilion showcased its unique history, culture, traditional foods, dresses and folk music, which attracted a large number of visitors. The cultural cap of GB (Khoi in Shina), Gilgiti Choga and other handwoven handicrafts like bags and wallets were hugely popular not only amongst local visitors but also international tourists. The traditional dance of GB, known locally as Natt, and the folk music, called Hareep in Shina, invigorated those who witnessed it. Saqlain Abbas, an official of the GB Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology and Museums department, told the author, "Visitors are loving the traditional hand-woven carpets and Kilao, a dry fruit made by drenching walnuts in grape juice."
An artist is busy with his work at the GB Pavilion.
The efforts of Lok Virsa to preserve Pakistan's folk culture, folk tales, arts and music, as well as its endeavors to support the artists who are maintaining these traditions, are commendable. By safeguarding traditional arts, music, folk tales and customs, Lok Virsa ensures that the unique cultural identities of Pakistan's diverse communities are not only maintained, but also celebrated for future generations.
By arranging the festival every year, Lok Virsa provides an opportunity for inter-provincial and regional coordination by creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange amongst the visitors. This can help in reducing the friction arising due to social, political and cultural fissures in the country. The purpose of this festival is also to show that different cultures and traditions in Pakistan complement each other. It exemplifies that true strength lies in unity, while simultaneously cherishing and celebrating the distinctiveness of each culture. This vision reflects the spirit of Pakistan as envisioned by its founding father, where diversity is not only embraced but is seen as a source of national strength and harmony.
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