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    The Vibrant Lok Mela 2017 Upholds Pakistani Tradition, Culture and Identity

    Written by: Mirza Salam Ahmed
    Posted on: April 10, 2017 | | 中文

    Sindhi folk dance on the opening day of Lok Mela 2017 (source: 'Lok Virsa', Facebook)

    An electric 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 10-day festival is taking place at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, more popularly known as Lok Virsa, from 7th to 16th April, 2017.

    The festival aims to showcase the work of more than 700 artists, singers and artisans representing the traditions and values of Pakistan. Special events have been planned for each day, celebrating the cultures of Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

    Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Fouzia Saeed and renowned singer Tina Sani with a folk singer at the inauguration ceremony - Lok Mela 2017 at Lok Virsa, Islamabad

    Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Fouzia Saeed and renowned singer Tina Sani with a folk singer at the inauguration ceremony

    Over the years, the Lok Mela has grown in scale and has seen massive improvements in administration, promotion and exhibition. This year, Lok Virsa took up the mantle to put on a show that dwarfed last year’s event by all standards. 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.

     

    Upon entering the venue, one is welcomed by vibrant, colourful sights, uplifting regional music, and the rich aroma of local cuisines all around. The management is also very accommodating. For the first time, they have introduced a shuttle service for visitors, so that they can travel around the venue with ease.

     

    On Sunday, 9th April, a special ceremony was organized by Lok Virsa to celebrate the Constitution of Pakistan, which was passed by the National Assembly on 10th April, 1973 and received Presidential assent on 12th April. Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while parliamentarians, diplomats and the youth also attended the ceremony. Highlighting the importance of our Constitution, Rabbani explained that Pakistan’s regional cultures and traditions are our identity, and lauded Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr. Fouzia Saeed for orchestrating an event that celebrated our Constitution Day and helped engage our public in promoting a positive image of the country.

    Traditional baraat celebration at the festival - Lok Mela 2017 at Lok Virsa, Islamabad

    Traditional baraat celebration at the festival

    The success of the Lok Mela could be observed from the rich diversity of the crowd it attracted. People from all walks of life attended the festival, including professionals, art and craft experts, artists and celebrities, foodies, historians, diplomats, political figures, ex-pats, media personnel and students. The reason behind this success is that in addition to providing healthy entertainment for the whole family, the festival truly connects with our people, representing our history, identity and culture. From buzzing bazaars filled with traditional arts and crafts such as jewellery, purses, pots and vases, to food stalls with mouth-watering Sajji, Biryani, Chappli Kabab, Saag, Khorma and a plethora of traditional dishes, the Lok Mela is proving to be a triumph once again.

    Lok Mela 2017 at Lok Virsa, Islamabad

    Mesmerizing dhol performance on day 2


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021