ISLAMABAD: The rich culture and traditions of Balochistan displayed at the ongoing Folk Festival provided an opportunity to the visitors to value the arts and crafts of the province.

The organisers have allocated pavilions to all the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir for showcasing their indigenous folk culture.

The Balochi pavilion set up by the Balochistan directorate of culture in collaboration with Lok Virsa showcases the richness of the Baloch culture, arts, crafts, folk music, rituals, traditions and cuisine.

The Baloch contingent included craftspeople, folk artists, folk musicians and dance groups. The master artisans included Daryan Khan in traditional suroz making, Miral Khan in leather embroidery, Mohammad Akram in handloom work, Rozi Khan in Balochi chappal making and Malookan in Balochi embroidery.

Folk artists and musicians included Abdul Wahid, Talik (dholak player), Mohammad Shakir (blind), suroz player, Faiz Mohammad, surnai player, Shakeel Ahmad, firework artist, Dad Shah, suroz player and Fida Ahmad, suroz player.

A famous Leva dance group also entertains the visitors with their distinctive attire and unique dance moves.

A visitor to the festival, Afsheen Hassan, said: “One can see here the glimpses from every corner of Pakistan, contributing significantly to enhance the stature, beauty and landscape of the federal capital.”

The award ceremony of Lok Mela will take place on Sunday at 5pm. Cash awards will be distributed among the winning master artisans and folk artists on the recommendations of a national jury constituted for the purpose.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2016