ISLAMABAD: Over 100,000 people have reportedly visited Islamabad’s signature Lok Mela since the festival opened six days ago, with some visitors complaining of mismanagement, higher ticket prices and expensive food.

Nearly 45,000 people visited last Sunday alone to experience the sights and sounds of the premier folk festival, according to the organisers.

A visitor complained that a Rs200 ticket per person was too costly for a family of four. “This is a common man’s festival and the government should make it affordable for everyone,” said Hasan Ch.

Another guest complained that the food prices were higher than the market rate.

In defence, Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem, Executive Director of Lok Virsa, said the ticket price had been increased by Rs50 from Rs150 last year, while students were charged Rs100 and entry for children under seven years of age was free. He said this was necessary to help children connect with their traditions and cultural roots.

“Lok Virsa’s resources are limited, and we generate our own income. The Rs50 increase was decided to meet daily expenses, especially when electricity prices are now so high,” Dr Waqas Saleem told Dawn.

He also defended the food prices at the stalls, saying that the prices of chicken and meat had risen. “But we have tried our best to make the festival manageable and affordable for all. However, we will look into the issue to make the experience worthwhile,” he added.

Some visitors at the food court shared that the prices were reasonable. A plate of saag (spinach) with two pieces of maize bread (makai roti) cost Rs500, gol guppay Rs300 and sajji around Rs1,600, to name a few.

Nonetheless, this year’s festival offers several new highlights, including a Vietnamese food stall.

According to the organisers, international outreach was another achievement this year. Visitors from various embassies, including those of the USA, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Brunei and Myanmar, frequented the festival lawns. The embassies of Uzbekistan and Indonesia also showcased their cultural displays.

Officially, 7,000 diplomats have attended Lok Mela this year.

Another first was the introduction of Rs500,000 award money for the best artisan and artist, respectively. A special display has also been created for dying musical instruments such as the santoor.

Among the 600-plus stalls are spaces reserved for differently-abled individuals, the transgender community and crafts created by inmates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prisons.

Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem said that a brass band would perform on the last three evenings of the festival and encouraged everyone to support this fading form of music.

The sixth day of Lok Mela at Lok Virsa celebrated the rich cultural spirit and captivating music of Gilgit-Baltistan, as thousands gathered to enjoy the region’s distinctive folk traditions.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Musical Night at the Open Air Theatre drew a massive audience, with visitors attending the festival throughout the day.

The evening featured an impressive lineup of folk artists and performers, including Mir Aman Hunzai (moderator), singers Shah Zaman, Sabir Hayat, Raja M Ali Shah, Faisal Karim, Dawood Ahmad, Shan Ahmad and Shayan Ali Shah, accompanied by Sabir Ali Khan (keyboard) and Mir Afzal (sitar).

Their heartfelt performances and traditional tunes filled the night with energy, celebrating the musical richness of the northern region.

Throughout the day, visitors explored artisan stalls, folk theatre, puppet shows, cultural food courts and regional pavilions showcasing Pakistan’s diverse heritage.

The Gilgit-Baltistan pavilion remained a special attraction, featuring vibrant handicrafts, traditional attire and live craft demonstrations that drew wide public admiration.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem appreciated the participating artists for promoting regional heritage and thanked the public for making Lok Mela 2025 a grand cultural success.

Lok Mela continues at Lok Virsa, Shakarparian, Islamabad, welcoming the public daily from 10am to 10pm until November 16, 2025.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2025