ISLAMABAD, Feb 6: Lok Virsa in collaboration with Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit and Baltistan Division organised a cultural festival to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day and Eid Miladun Nabi on Sunday.

Lok Virsa has been observing Kashmir Solidarity Day by arranging Yakjehti Mela for the last several years.

This year too, Lok Virsa organised a day-long festival which brought Kashmiri artisans, artists, NGOs and government organisations working for the cause of Kashmir under one umbrella to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. A wide range of programmes were held which continued throughout the day from 10am to 6pm.

Recurring performances of Taleh Ruz, named after traditional Kashmiri jewellery in full costumes, was arranged at the open air theatre of Lok Virsa.

The main features included Kashmiri artisans-at-work with more than 20 Kashmiri craftsmen/women displaying their artisanship in creatively designed cultural pavilions which attracted attention of the crowd.

A large number of organisations set up their stalls and displayed their products.

Besides Kashmir day programmes, Lok Virsa also arranged activities coinciding with Eid Miladun Nabi.

Artists and Naat Khawans paid homage to Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) on the occasion.

Sardar Abdul Raziq, adviser to the AJK prime minister; and Faridullah Khan, federal secretary, Ministry of National Heritage and Integration, also visited the festival and appreciated the contribution of Lok Virsa in projecting the cause of Kashmir.

Talking to media, Faridullah Khan said: “Our ministry is determined to safeguard the cultural values of the country, for which efforts are under way and the festival is a step forward in this direction.”