(APP): National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) would organise a three-day ‘Youth Cultural Mela’ from April 27.

Announcing the event, Executive Director Lok Virsa Ms. Shahera Shahid informed that the Youth Cultural Mela aims to promote traditional skills, inculcate awareness among younger generation about the indigenous folk heritage of Pakistan and above all, to create a spirit of peace and unity, strengthen and re-enforce national harmony and integration through a cultural perspective.

The main features of the Mela include congregation of youth, youth artisans-at-work, live folk musical and folk dance performances by young folk artists, folk musicians and folk dancers, craft bazaar, traditional cuisine of all provinces, etc.

A prestigious opening ceremony is scheduled on April 27 at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Garden Avenue, Shakarparian Hills, Islamabad. The ceremony will present popular national songs, Kalam-e-Iqbal, mystic songs, folk songs and folk dancers, all presented by young artists and folk musicians attired in coloured traditional costumes.

The ceremony will present popular milli naghmas, Kalam-e-Iqbal, live folk musical and folk dance performances by young folk artists, folk musicians and folk dancers. Sindh Cultural Department will host a “Sindh cultural night” on April 28.

The Mela will conclude with a coluorful “Youth Cultural Show”on April 29 wherein young folk artists, folk musicians and folk dancers will perform live in a concert and win recognition of their talent at national level.

Lok Virsa is in contact with local colleges and universities to ensure maximum participation of their students/ youth in the Mela.

Entry to the Mela for public will be free.

Lok Virsa has invited youth community from twin cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad to join and express a message of peace, unity and harmony to the entire nation through a cultural perspective.

Timings of the Mela will be from 10 am to 8 pm daily.