ISLAMABAD, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Artists in vibrant attire played rhythmic beats on traditional instruments at an annual folk festival, sparking spontaneous dance among attendees. The age-old melodies narrated stories that have been passed down through generations, creating an immersive cultural experience.
The annual festival, known as Lok Mela, was held in the Pakistani capital Islamabad from Nov. 8 to Sunday. The 10-day event provided a platform for artists across the country to present their works and performances.
Visitors thronged the festival, exploring diverse cultural exhibits that showcased traditional crafts, local delicacies, and mesmerizing performances. Bilal Ahmed, a university student, expressed his excitement about the event and said that it deepened his understanding of Pakistani traditional culture.
Craftsmen from each province of Pakistan demonstrated their skills. At the Balochistan pavilion, Arzi Khan meticulously worked on a Suroz, an ancient stringed instrument. With 30 years of expertise, he expressed a passion for preserving this cultural treasure, despite its waning popularity among younger generations.
"I want to show people how traditional musical instruments are made and the culture behind them. We should make it live," said Khan.
Sameeta Baloch showcased a stunning collection of Balochi hand-embroidered dresses at her stall, each piece reflecting the intricate artistry of her heritage.
Talking to Xinhua, she said that while visitors from Islamabad and other provinces admired her craftsmanship in previous years when she displayed her work at the festival, they often found the fabric traditionally worn by Baloch women, unsuitable for their preferences.
Taking this feedback to heart, she adapted by using fabric more commonly worn and appreciated by women in this part of the country, and received a remarkable response this year.
"The festival serves as a beautiful confluence of cultures, where traditions intertwine yet retain their unique diversity," she added.
In the Sindh pavilion, intricate embroidery, handmade wallets, and live pottery-making captivated visitors. Ghullam Muhammad, a skilled potter, demonstrated the artistry behind creating clay figures.
"I hope more young people will get involved in pottery making, inheriting this skill with their own ideas and bringing innovation," Muhammad told Xinhua.
Abdul Hameed, one of the organizers of the event, told Xinhua that more than 1 million visitors come to enjoy the festival. "On weekends, including Friday, we saw over 150,000 attendees daily," Hameed said.
Hameed highlighted that over 500 stalls were installed including international representations from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia. All stalls were provided free of charge to encourage participation.
"Over 5,000 applications were received from artists this year, and around 500 were shortlisted to showcase their talents," Hameed said.
Regarding future plans, he added that visitors expressed a strong desire to see Chinese cultural stalls. "We are hopeful that Chinese artists will participate next year to offer locals an opportunity to experience the richness of Chinese culture," Hameed said.
"The purpose of this festival is to show the soft image of Pakistan to the world, and all the provinces are representing their culture, their hand handcraft and other things. It provides entertainment and it can boost up our economy as well," said a visitor Abdus Wazir. ■