ISLAMABAD (APP) - In a spectacular display of Pakistan’s cultural richness and unity, the National Folk Festival, popularly known as Lok Mela, commenced on Friday at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) in Islamabad with the theme “Peace and Harmony through Cultural Diversity”.
The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of the nation’s heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life.
The festival will run until November 12 and will feature provincial pavilions, shopping stalls, food vendors, musical performances, highlighting the diverse cultures and traditions of all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Minister for National Heritage & Culture Jamal Shah expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasising its role in fostering national cohesion and promoting cultural diversity.
Shah announced that all festival activities would be conducted in support of the Palestinian people with a special stall dedicated to collecting funds for Palestine.
The visitors to the festival can look forward to a wide range of cultural activities, including traditional dances, folk music performances, arts and crafts demonstrations and a delectable selection of cuisine from all corners of Pakistan.
An open-mic programme is also part of the festival, providing a platform for talented singers to showcase their voices.
The Lok Mela will run until November 12, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, with an affordable entry ticket priced at Rs150.