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ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):The seventh day of Lok Mela 2025 at Lok Virsa turned into a captivating celebration of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural splendor, as the festival grounds echoed with the soulful sounds and vibrant rhythms of the region.
Over 200,000 visitors thronged the venue, immersing themselves in the colors, crafts, and melodies that reflected the essence of Kashmiri heritage.
The evening’s centerpiece-the Kashmir Musical Night-enthralled audiences with mesmerizing performances by acclaimed Kashmiri artists including Altaf Mir, Ashiq Hussain Butt, Sohail Abbasi, Syed Dilawar Abbas, Nadir Khan, Hina Abbasi, Shakeel Ahmed Mir, Shahzeb Hussain, Sajjad Kashmiri, Natasha Khan, Raja Imran, Basit Sheikh, Noman Saleem, Babar Panjkoti, and Bano Rahmat.
Their heartfelt renditions transported the crowd to the scenic valleys of AJK, weaving a musical tapestry of folk, pahari, sufiana, and gojri traditions.
Adding to the night’s allure were the traditional instrumentalists-Anwar Ali on keyboard, Muhammad Maroof on tabla, Sunny Gill on dholak, and Muhammad Badar Khan on rubab-whose rhythms and melodies infused the performances with unmatched depth and emotion.
The event not only showcased Kashmir’s musical brilliance but also celebrated Pakistan’s cultural unity under the theme “Unity in Colors – Lok Virsa ka Sang.” Throughout the day, visitors explored artisan stalls, traditional cuisines, puppet shows, and provincial pavilions, with the Kashmir Pavilion drawing special admiration for its exquisite embroidery, wooden crafts, and authentic regional dishes.
Executive Director Lok Virsa, Dr. Muhammad Waqas Saleem, lauded the massive turnout, stating, “Lok Mela brings together Pakistan’s living heritage, reminding us that our cultural diversity is our greatest strength.”
Lok Mela 2025 continues to welcome visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Lok Virsa and will run until November 16.