Islamabad
Cloudy weather, scenic Lok Virsa location, colourful cultural activities, shopping at its best and delicious food -- all made 'Lok Mela' the best way to spend the weekend.
A large number of people visited the 'mela' on weekend and enjoyed the annual activity aimed at bringing different parts of Pakistan at one place. There was so much to learn and enjoy at the 'mela' which remained focused of attention throughout the weekend.
The 'Lok Mela' focuses on diversity within provinces and serves to afford an opportunity to the masses and diplomatic community to witness authentic folk musical and cultural entertainment besides buying traditional items on affordable prices. Hundreds of masterartisans, folk artissans and rural performers from different parts including remotest regions are participating in 'Lok Mela', bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation.
The daily features of the 'mela' include provincial cultural pavilions, folkloric song and dance ensembles, rural musicians, cultural nights, shopping mall, craft bazaar, artisans at work, traditional food court and many other attractions.
The special feature of Sunday activities was the special evening with emerging child stars with special focus on folk where children amazed the people with their talent.Eminent musicologist S M Shahid was the chief guest on the occasion.
Child artists who performed included Aashir, Subhan, Haider Ali and Muzammil from Islamabad, Zamin and Soniya from Peshawar, Sumera Ali and Zeeshan Ali from Hyderabad, Gul Muhammad from Khuzdar, Asim Khan from Sui, Zawwar Hussain from Mithi, Tatheer Hussain and Saqlain Abbas from Lahore, Moiz from Gilgit-Baltistan and others.
A large number of people from different walks of life including families and music lovers attended the event and enjoyed the thrilling performances presented by child singers.
In his address, SMShahid said that children have a great potential to express their creativity. “Lok Virsa deserves commendation for holding this cultural evening. By watching their energetic performances, one cannot imagine that these are children. We should continue such efforts to inculcate knowledge about our culture and music in the younger generation, who is the future of Pakistan,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr. Fouzia Saeedsaid the evening was an effort on the part of Lok Virsa to sow the seeds of pluralistic society in the youth of Pakistan. “We believe that it will serve to provide an orientation to children about our rich musical heritage. It will also contribute towards creating ownership among children regarding Pakistan’s cultural heritage besides reaffirming our identity of being multi-cultural and pluralistic country,” she added.
Other special events of the festival include celebrating diversity folk performances on April 4thand 6th, Sindhi musical night on April 5th, musical night of Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir on April 7th, Punjab musical night on April 8th, provincial award ceremony and Balochistan musical night on April 9th, concluding ceremony and awards to artisans and artists and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa musical night on April 10th. 'Lok Mela' is open for public daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.