Festivity starts at Lok Virsa:
Sindhi Artists Arrive For ‘Lok Mela’
‘Lok Mela’ has commenced at Lok Virsa on Friday that brings about ten days of festivity in Islamabad that will surely entertain the people where artists, musicians, singers, and folk dance groups will be performing. A large number of contingents from all four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir have started reaching the federal capital to participate in the ‘Artisans-at-work Festival’ (Lok Mela) being organized here at Garden Avenue, Shakarparian.
The festival is held under the aegis of Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan. The first contingent that reached the federal capital for participation in the festival is from Sindh. Over 100 people including master artisans, folk artists, musicians, dance groups and officials are taking part. The artisans include Sahib Dino (Sindhi cap), Mitho Khan Bhutto (lacquer art), Samila (Farasi weaving), Jani (blue pottery), Khan Chand (leather embroidery), Naseem Sultan (Sindhi embroidery), Gopal Das (tie & dye), Imdad Ali (Ajrak block making), Arbab Ali Soomro (Ajrak), Siani Khatoon (Khes weaving), Muhammad Suleman (Lacquer Work), Zameer (Woodwork), Khadim Hussain Solangi (Replica), Pari (Daree Weaving), Poonam (Thari Embroidery), Faqeer Muhammad (pottery), Gaino (Thari Embroidery), Munawwar Khatoon (Rilli Work), Sara (Thari Embroidry), Sumaira (Rilli Work) and others.
While talking to INFN artist said,” We have come here for engaging people and giving them the real meaning of culture through our art; we will present the best of what we have to amuse the public of twin cities”.
Artists, musicians and folk dance groups from Sindh are Raza Allan and Faheem Allan (folk singers), Shaiza Tarranum (vocalist), Misri Jogi (Murli/flute player), Muhammad Achar (Alghoza Nawaz), Ghaus Bukhsh Brohi (Flute), Ahmed Ali (Harmonium), Ghulam Nabi (Dholak), Muhammad Soomar (Matka Nawaz), Maula Bukhsh Baloch (Banjo Nawaz), Sain Dad Faqir (Matka Dance Party), Imam Dino (Shehnai Party), Chandi Faqir (Chapri Dance), Vishno Mal (Firework & Thari Dance), Ajmal, Agha & Khuda Bukhsh (Sheedi Dance Party).
When INFN contacted to Deputy Director of Lok Virsa, Anwaar-ul-Haq, he said, “We are trying to promote our tradition through art and sharing our civilization to young generation and the outstanding image of Pakistan in this tough time.”
During the Festival, one cultural night with each Province is scheduled wherein leading folk singers would perform. Sindhi Musical Concert will take place on 11th June at Lok Virsa Open Air Theatre. Sanam Marvi, Humaira Channa, Taj Mastani, Mai Subhagi, Jamaluddin Faqir, Ahmed Mughal, Anwar Ali Zardari, Manji Faqir and Comedian Qadir Bukhsh Mithoo will perform in accompaniment of musicians live in a concert for public.