Lok Virsa marked its 50th anniversary with the grand opening of its annual Lok Mela on November 8, a ten-day celebration that showcases Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity.
Hassan Ajmal Jami, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, inaugurated the event as the chief guest at Lok Virsa’s open-air theatre.“Events like Lok Mela are essential for showcasing Pakistan’s diversity and unity to the world,” Jami said.
Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage on display at Lok Mela 2024
The Director of the Pakistan National Museum and Focal Person for Lok Mela, Anwaar ul Haq, highlighted the success of this year’s Lok Mela, which has brought together over 500 skilled artisans from across the country. The event, he noted, celebrates Pakistan’s traditional arts and crafts while also offering a global platform for cultural exchange.
Haq also emphasized the vibrant cultural experiences at the event, including regional dances and traditional Pakistani cuisine, which reflect the country’s diverse heritage. He praised the media’s role in raising awareness about the Mela and preserving Pakistan’s cultural traditions.
Lok Mela 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of both national and global cultures, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the richness of various cultural traditions.
Showcasing local and international arts
From November 8 to November 17, Lok Mela 2024 will host over 500 artisans from across Pakistan who will present their skills alongside cultural displays from diplomatic missions, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia. These pavilions feature displays of art, music, and craftsmanship, promoting cross-cultural understanding and unity.
The Saudi Embassy inaugurated its own pavilion, highlighting the Kingdom’s culture and expressing support for Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage.
“The embassy also inaugurated its pavilion at the fair, which will highlight the special culture of the Kingdom during the fair,” the Saudi embassy said on Twitter.
Turkish cultural center has also set up a stall, introducing their art and cultural artefacts to Pakistanis.
Punjab Pavilion wows visitors
The annual Lok Mela offers a vibrant display of Punjab’s diverse culture through traditional music, dance, folklore, and handicrafts. The Punjab Pavilion, a key highlight, features over 50 skilled artisans showcasing crafts such as weaving, block printing, embroidery, pottery, and more. Notable artisans include Suraya Abdullah, known for her chunris, and Amir Bakhsh, a master of block printing.
The pavilion was praised by Information and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan, who commended the representation of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage. Executive Director Muhammad Tanvir Majid highlighted the province’s diverse cultural traditions and the government’s support for promoting local arts.
In addition to handicrafts, the pavilion hosts live folk dance performances like Bhangra and Jhomar, and offers traditional foods like green bread and lassi. The festival also includes a daily cultural music event from 10 am to 10 pm, with special performances on November 10 at the Lok Virsa Open Air Theatre. The event will run until November 17.
Strengthening cultural bonds
Anwaar-ul-Haq, director of the Pakistan National Museum and focal person for the festival, emphasized the event’s significance. “This year’s Lok Mela not only showcases Pakistani artisans but also strengthens bonds with international partners,” he stated.
Lok Virsa Executive Director Muzaffar Ali Burki welcomed guests and highlighted Lok Mela’s pivotal role in fostering national unity. “The festival empowers local artisans and celebrates our heritage,” he said, extending appreciation to the international participants for their valuable contributions.
Honoring artisans and showcasing culinary delights
The event also recognized two distinguished artisans, Sheikh Mohammad Yusuf and Sania from Kalash, for their outstanding contributions to traditional crafts. Both artisans were honored with symbolic gifts—a turban and a shawl—to celebrate their dedication to preserving cultural crafts.
The vibrant cultural showcase has drawn record-breaking crowds as it features traditional music and dance performances, along with exhibitions of handicrafts, artwork, and culinary specialties.
Visitors can explore Pakistan’s diverse cuisine, including Sindh’s biryani, Punjab’s sarson ka saag, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chapli kabab, and Balochistan’s Sajji.
“Lok Mela 2024 is a true reflection of Pakistan’s cultural richness—I am mesmerized by the colors, sounds, and flavors,” a visitor said.