ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) organised a Suroz (traditional Baloch music) competition during its ongoing folk festival (Lok Mela) at Shakarparian on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, former chief minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, who was the chief guest, said it was commendable that Suroz was being promoted in the federal capital.

“We will support every initiative that can lead to national harmony and integration,” he said.

Executive director Lok Virsa Dr Fouzia Saeed said Lok Virsa was a national institution established for the promotion and preservation of Pakistan’s folk and traditional heritage.

“It includes folklore of every province and region. We undertook an initiative to promote ‘Suroz’ as a symbol of peace, love and progress and to make it an instrument of youth where they learn it as an expression of love for their heritage and creativity for their future. We believe that this symbol will reflect the real people of Balochistan and bring the youth closer to their cultural identity,” she said.

Three cash awards and two consolation prizes were granted to the best performers on the decision of a jury, comprising Ustad Sachu Khan from Sui, musicologist and author from Karachi S.M. Shahid and Sarangi player Taimoor Khan.

Musical performances were also presented on the occasion. Those who performed included Jhangi Khan, Khadim Hussain, Leva dance group and others.

Around 500 artisans and artists from different parts of the country are participating in the Lok Mela, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation.

The daily features of the Mela include provincial cultural pavilions, folk song and dance ensembles, rural musicians, cultural nights, shopping malls, craft bazaar, artisans at work and traditional food courts.

The special events of the festival are a thrilling performance of emerging child folk stars on April 3. Lok Mela remains open from 11am to 10pm daily.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2016