The concluding ceremony of 8-day Lok Mela was held today (Sunday) at National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Shakarparian, Islamabad.

Great atmosphere of festivity and celebration of our local cultures lit up Garden Avenue Shakarparian, as the folk festival Lok Mela attracted massive crowds from the twin cities and beyond.

The festival was aimed to showcase the work of more than 500 artists, singers and artisans representing the traditions and values of Pakistan.

The festival featured exhibitions of artisan work, traditional food cuisines, a beautiful amalgamation of provincial cultures, mesmerizing folk songs by rural musicians, traditional dances and ensembles, historical and cultural evenings, promotional stalls by NGOs and other organizations, and an exotic bazaar containing a wealth of cultural items.

Special events were planned for each day, celebrating the cultures of Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 

On Saturday, Gilgit-Baltistan day was celebrated in the festival where artists of the province show cased their cultural products including food and handicrafts.

Over the years, the Lok Mela has grown in scale and has seen massive improvements in administration, promotion and exhibition.

People from all walks of life are attending the festival, including professionals, art and craft experts, artists and celebrities, foodies, historians, diplomats, political figures, ex-pats, media personnel and students.