ISLAMABAD, June 7: The rich culture and traditions of Balochistan displayed at ‘Lok Mela’ prove to be an opportunity for the visitors to value the arts and crafts of the province along with the display of cultural values of other provinces.

The organisers have allocated spacious pavilions to all the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir for showcasing their indigenous folk culture in a creative and interactive manner.

The Balochi pavilion set up by the Balochistan Culture Department in collaboration with Lok Virsa catches the visitors' eye with presentation of the richness of Balochi culture, arts, crafts, folk music, rituals, traditions, cuisine and folk entertainment.

The Balochi contingent includes craftspeople, folk artists, folk musicians and dance groups. Master artisans are Sanaullah (traditional shoemaker), Shakir Bibi (Mastung embroidery), Aziz Fatima (Balochi embroidery), Muhammad Siddiqui (Makrani patti), Muhammad Jan (Saroz maker), Daryan (Dhambura maker) and Shamim Bibi (Kalat embroidery).

Among them, female craftswoman Aziz Fatima is a 39-year-old artisan of Balochi embroidery. Being an educated artisan, she has carried on this centuries' old tradition from her mother and devoted 27 years of her life to this art.

Aziz Fatima stands out not only for her excellence but also in her tireless propagation of this ancient art by imparting it to the future generations. Some of her apprentices have reached high professional levels while practising their art. She has been participating in Lok Mela for the last 15 years and had been awarded several times with cash and certificates. In recognition of her talent, she was honoured ‘Chaddarposhi’ during the inaugural ceremony of this festival.

Balochi group includes three dance parties. ‘Athan dance party’ and ‘Bhandar party’ practised by Pushtoon community of Balochistan. Leva (camel dance) also entertains the onlookers regularly with their distinctive attire and unique dance moves.

Balochi musicians also held a musical night with the performance of artists and musicians from the province.

The performing artists were Aziz Jan, Taj Buledi, Salonk, Tahir Feroz, Jangi Khan, Kalsoom Noor whereas Muhammad Khan, Abdullah and others supported them on musical instruments like Saroze, Dholak, Rabab, Banjo, etc. A large number of music lovers, in particular from Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa attended the show and praised the thrilling performances of the artists.

The festival has been organised by the Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

“One can see here the glimpses from every area of Pakistan created in the lush green surroundings of the Shakarparian hills, contributing significantly to enhance the stature, beauty and landscape of the federal capital”, said the organisers. — APP