The mega cultural event of Pakistan popularly called "Lok Mela" kicked off at Shakarparian in Islamabad on Friday.

Secretary National History and Literary Heritage Division Dr. Nadeem Shafique Malik performed ribbon cutting and took round of all provincial as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan pavilion.

The festival is being organized by National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), in collaboration with all provincial culture departments.

The 10-day event aims at promoting, perpetuating and preserving arts, crafts, culture, folk music and traditional skills of Pakistan. This unique event has now become a symbol of the federation's recognition and patronage to our rich cultural diversity and active participation of the people.

The central focus of Lok Mela is rural Pakistan. The direct beneficiaries are artisans, folk artists, folk musicians and other performers from rural areas and remote regions. It disseminates the dynamic creativity of our countryside and gives people pride in their identity.

The Mela also places special emphasis on creating provincial harmony and national integration.

Around 500 artisans and folk artists from all parts of the country are attending Lok Mela by bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation. The festival promotes master artisans and folk artists by way of giving them a platform to demonstrate their skills. The festival also provides the opportunity to the craftspeople to sell their crafts without involvement of middleman.

The main event of Lok Mela is "Dastarbandi and Chadarposhi ceremony" which will take place on Tuesday.  The ceremony is a symbol of Lok Vira's sustained campaign to keep the heritage of Pakistan alive and continuing.

Cultural departments of all provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are putting up pavilions presenting their indigenous folk culture, artisans, artists and traditional cuisine as link nodes of the festival's foundational grid.

Special attractions featuring folk singers, folk entertainers, puppet shows and other entertaining shows are being organized throughout the period of the festival.

Folk entertainers and rural musicians invited from all over the country are performing in the festival.

An exotic craft bazaar featuring score of tastefully decorated pavilions offering a variety of knick-knacks, antiques, craft items and cultural materials is also set up at the festival grounds.

Traditional Pakistani traditional cuisines are also available at the venue of the festival for next 10 days.

The festival will culminate with a colorful Award Ceremony scheduled to take place on 24th of this month in which cash awards will be distributed among the most talented and deserving artisans recommended by a national jury.

Kiani/Zunera