Punjab Lok Nach Mela was organized to celebrate International Mother Language Day (on 21^st February) in different parts of the city and in educational institutions. The dance festival includes different folk dances of Punjab including Ludi, Bhangra, Dhrees, Bahawalpuri and Ravi Jhoomer.

The dance festival was organized by Punjab Lok Rahs in collaboration with Punjab Lok Boli Sangat. Lok Nach festival was organized in City School, Multan Law College and Tehsila Muncipal. The performers were local students from different local colleges and universities. Most of performers belonged to Bahauddin Zikriya University and Punjab Lok Rahs. Mr Hammad Afzal, while talking to Dawn said, they were dancing to celebrating International Mother Language Day.

The purpose is to shows Punjabi audience that Punjab is rich in Folk dances, and people should be proud of their own language, culture and dance. A City School student from class five, Humera, said that it was the first time she had seen Punjabi Folk dances. She further added that Dharees and Ludi were exceptionally good. Even though it was drizzling the entire day in Sahiwal city, both dancers and audience enjoyed rhythmic tunes Dhool and movement of Folk dance.

Students from Government Primary School 57/GD also performed Ravi Jhoomer during dance festival. – Text and photos by Shafiq Butt/Dawn