ISLAMABAD: A Punjabi sufi music night was hosted at Lok Virsa’s Open Air Theatre on Friday as part of the on-going 10-day Lok Mela.

Musical nights are a regular feature of the Lok Mela and presents music in different languages and from different parts of Pakistan.

The event started with the national anthem followed by a dhol performance by the Qalandri Group from Punjab which is led by renowned dhol player Shaukat Ali, who also performed a dance and some stunts with his dhol.

The stage was decorated with posters of famous shrines, sufi dances and handicrafts from Punjab.

Punjabi folk singer Qurban Niazi sang Bullay Shah’s Tere Ishq Nachaya. He wore a traditional dress and jewellery. He was called on stage again after public request to present the famous Punjabi folk song Challa Mera Jee Dhola.

Afzal Jaffery paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and sang his Akhiyan Udeekiyan. Many women in the audience danced to Luddi.

The singers who participated in the event include Saeen Zahoor, Allah Ditta Lonaywala, Fazal Jutt, Rubi Resham and Bushra Marvi and they sang Bismillah Kran, Dama Dam Mast Qalander, and Ishq Di Manzil Tu.

Additional Secretary Culture Punjab Samoon Rao was the chief guest.

He said such festivals promote traditions and are entertaining as well.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said musical nights are aimed at providing an opportunity to local singers to showcase their talent.

“We try to invite new singers who have not performed at a national level before,” she said.

Talking to Dawn, a member of the audience, Shafqat Bibi, said she loves listening to live music, especially Punjabi music.

“Punjabi dances, tablas, dhol, dholki and chimta shows happiness, energy and enthusiasm,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2017