Islamabad :The 10-day folk festival, Lok Mela, organised by Lok Virsa 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.
The provincial pavilions put up by the respective culture departments depicting their indigenous folk heritage, arts, crafts, music and cuisine are the major attractions.
The organisers said artisans and artists from different provinces, regions and even remote and far-flung areas come to the federal capital, meet each other and exchange their expertise and technical know-how through this national event. They said the festival served to create national harmony and integration among all federating units while providing them with an equal opportunity of showcasing their beautiful cultural traditions.
The organisers said the unique event, which had 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.
The Lok Mela timings are from 10am to 09pm daily, while the entry ticket is Rs50 per head.
The Lok Mela will conclude on Sunday (Nov 24) with a colourful Awards Ceremony wherein cash awards will be granted to deserving artisans and artists on the recommendations of a national jury constituted for the purpose.