KP Pavilion shines at Lok Mela with art, music and cuisine

Islamabad:Citizens of Rawalpindi, Islamabad are coming in large numbers to witness the country's folk culture at the ongoing Folk Mela organised by Folk Heritage, fans who are tired of their regular routines, get respite and enjoy folk dances, folk music and talent.

Heading to the fair to visit the stalls of all pro­vinces and territories like Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have set up their own pavilions presenting folk music, dance parties, traditional arts and crafts from their respective regions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pavilion has a charm of its own.

There are more than 25 skilled artisans, men and women from different parts of the province, in the pavilion. Many stalls are reserved for female artists. Among the female artisans are Rukhshanda Mehmood in Hazara Phulkari, Hamna Rahim in Tarakshi from DI Khan, Naseem Akhtar in Hazara jasti work and Ramim Naz in Kuroshiya work in embroidery craft.

Among them, Zainab Bibi is the foremost. Received at a very young age. Embroidery is the embellishment of any material in which a pattern or design is created with a needle and thread. Phulkari is famous for its intricate designs using pink, white colors with pearl necklaces. Phulkari is mostly done on trishals and shirts. And silk threads are used in green color. He trained many women in this skill in the havelis.

They have also been exhibiting their skills in various fairs and exhibitions, including Waseem and Faheem in lacquer art, Fazal-e-Wahid in Swati shawl weaving. Riyaz Ahmad wax printing, Niaz Ali basketry, Rustom stone carving, Siar Khan Truck art, Umar Muhammad Gandhara art, Sheikh Khalil Qaraq­oli/Jinnah cap.

It is impossible for anyone visiting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pavilion not to taste Chapal Kebab being prepared before their very eyes. The beautiful aroma of food becomes attractive and irresistible. The pavilion also serves other varieties of traditional cuisine of the province such as Patasekh, Kadhahi famous kawah (green tea) prepared in the coffee house with cardamom. A chamber has been built nearby in which Pakhtun musicians are playing folk music instruments like rabab, tabla harmonium etc.

A cultural evening highlighting the local folk culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also part of the activities in which famous folk singers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Jaam Boys, Sehrish Khan, Kulsoom Wadud, Shahid Malang and Javed Khan Jahangiri performed and entertained the audience. The music was well received. The festival will continue till 10 pm on Sunday, November 17 with all its activities.