RAWALPINDI: The second day of the Punjab Lok Mela, organised by the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC), consisted of traditional children’s games and a reading of Waris Shah’s Heer Ranjha.

The day began with a session of children’s games played in smaller towns and villages in Punjab, such as Lal Pari, Baraf Pani, Pithoo Garam, Go Go, Bantey, Rasi Tapna, Kokla Chapaki, Wattey, Shtapoo, Ludo, Chor Sapahi and Go and Stop.

Children from various private schools played the games, and reminded the audience of their childhood.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed told Dawn the purpose of these folk games was to revive old traditions.

“These games were wonderful means of entertainment and physical activity, but in today’s busy life children’s don’t take an interest in these games and spend most of their time in front of the TV or computer. The motive was to motivate the young generation to play these healthy games,” he said.

In the evening, Sidra Ishtiaq and Tehssen Sakina recited Waris Shah’s poetry. The folk tale was traditionally recited in Punjab’s village in the dara, common place, on the village in the evening.

“Waris Shah’s Heer is read by a person from the village and others listen. It is an old tradition in the villages in the province, Mr Ahmed said.

He said Saiful Malook by Mian Mohammad Baksh would be read in a separate session on the last day of the festival, adding that people have had a positive response to the Lok Mela and visited and participated in all the events.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2017