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ISLAMABAD:
Lok Mela in Islamabad has surged into its final stretch with a burst of colour, rhythm and regional pride, as thousands of visitors continue to pour into Lok Virsa to witness one of Pakistan’s most vibrant cultural gatherings.
On its eighth day, the festival drew massive crowds who moved through the grounds to explore performances, crafts and traditional displays, with the Sindh Pavilion emerging as one of the most visited attractions due to its rich presentation of crafts, Ajrak printing, folk music and cultural dances representing the province’s artistic identity.
Led by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah of the Sindh Culture Department, the pavilion offered an immersive experience that reflected Sindh’s cultural spirit, while artisans and performers showcased handicrafts and traditional skills that resonated strongly with families, youth and international visitors.
The highlight of the day was the Sindh Cultural Music Night at Lok Virsa Open Air, where a star-studded lineup including Sanam Marvi, Saif Samejo, Tufail Sanjrani and Asghar Khoso delivered folk and Sufi performances that created a memorable atmosphere for the large audience.
Their renditions brought depth and emotion to the evening, carrying the rhythm and heritage of Sindh through powerful vocals and traditional melodies that captivated festival-goers and added to the steady rise in attendance at Lok Mela.
Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Waqas Saleem praised the Sindh Culture Department for presenting an authentic showcase, acknowledging the dedication of artisans and organisers whose contributions have helped make this edition one of the most successful in recent years.
A day earlier, the festival grounds echoed with the cultural vibrancy of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as more than 200,000 visitors experienced the region’s colours, crafts and music during the Kashmir-themed events held on the seventh day of Lok Mela.
The Kashmir Musical Night featured performances by acclaimed artists including Altaf Mir, Ashiq Hussain Butt, Sohail Abbasi, Syed Dilawar Abbas and several others, whose folk, pahari, sufiana and gojri renditions transported audiences to the scenic valleys of AJK.
Traditional instrumentalists such as Anwar Ali on keyboard, Muhammad Maroof on tabla, Sunny Gill on dholak and Muhammad Badar Khan on rubab enhanced the evening’s appeal, adding emotional intensity and rhythmic layers to the musical presentations.
Throughout the day, visitors explored artisan stalls, traditional foods, puppet shows and provincial pavilions, with the Kashmir Pavilion earning particular admiration for its intricate embroidery, wooden crafts and authentic regional dishes that reflected the essence of the region.
Dr Waqas Saleem applauded the overwhelming public response, noting that Lok Mela embodies Pakistan’s living heritage and reinforces the theme of unity in diversity through daily celebrations that continue from morning until late evening.
Lok Mela 2025 remains open to visitors until November 16, offering a final opportunity for audiences to experience the country’s cultural tapestry as the festival brings together performers, artisans and communities from across Pakistan in a shared celebration of identity. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
