ISLAMABAD, Feb 25: Artisans-at-work have become major crowed pullers at the Spring Festival organised by Lok Virsa in Shakarparian.

Over 50 master artisans in various fields, including needlework, wax printing, woodworks, khaddar weaving, have been demonstrating their skills at the festival.

The most prominent among the artisans is Khalilur Rehman from Punjab, who specialies in the art of traditional truck making.

He learnt this art from his father at an early age. Now he is successfully transferring it to the new generation. He has been attending Lok Virsa’s festivals for several years and winning recognition for his talent. This colourful art is not only done on the bodies of trucks but also other vehicles and means of transportation like buses, tankers, minibuses, rickshaws, tongas and even donkey carts moving on the roads throughout the country.

Deedar Ali in patti-weaving (woven strip made from sheep wool) from Gilgit-Baltistan is also seen actively demonstrating his workmanship. He started learning the work from his father but says that the new generation is not interested in it because it is very hard to do and the artists get less reward.

Lok Virsa executive director Khalid Javaid said: “Craftspeople are our great treasure. They are custodians of our rich cultural heritage.”

Pakistan is noted for some of the most varied and beautiful handicrafts of the world. Whether it is the elaborate dress of a bride or a simple household utensil, it is designed and created so artistically that it becomes an object of art, he said.

The Spring Festival will continue till Tuesday from 11am till 8pm. Entry for the public is free.