RAWALPINDI: The two-day Potohar Lok Mela, organised to promote the culture of the province and the Potohar region in particular, concluded at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Sunday.

Punjab Minister for Informal Education Raja Rashid Hafeez was invited to the event as the chief guest.

The festival featured stalls that showcased aspects of Punjabi culture, as well a replica of a village house with a charkha (thread mill), a traditional hookah, utensils and fabric.

Folk dancers and dholwalas were also invited from Jhelum, Chakwal and other areas, and puppet shows were held to entertain children.

Folk music and dance performances appeared to be the most popular attraction. Sami dancers from Jhelum and local singers enthralled audiences, and a dance group performed the dandia dance, popular in villages and small town weddings, as well. One dancer also performed while balancing a pitcher on his head.

Mr Hafeez said at the event that the country was facing difficult times and praised the RAC’s efforts to bring people out of their homes and provide a safe, enjoyable environment.

He said the government wanted to promote culture and educate society on past values. He said respects needs to be given to everyone in society so every individual feels like a useful citizen.

He said the government has allocated millions of rupees for artists’ welfare, adding that there is need to promote local culture and give local artists a platform.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed told Dawn the Lok Mela aimed to promote Punjab’s culture, and various stalls were set up for this purpose.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2019