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ISLAMABAD, Nov 07 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Friday said that the Lok Mela 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to promoting initiatives that serve public welfare, celebrate cultural diversity, and offer meaningful and healthy recreational opportunities for the people of Pakistan.
He expressed these views while inaugurating the ten-day annual folk festival “Lok Mela 2025”, organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, which was formally inaugurated today at the Lok Virsa Open Air Theatre.
The federal minister was the chief guest. Executive Director of Lok Virsa, Dr. Muhammad Waqas Saleem welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Khichi said, “This festival serves as a vibrant platform that connects all the federating units of Pakistan through cultural expression. It promotes national harmony and unity among the provinces and provides artisans and folk performers from across the country the opportunity to showcase their skills at a national level.”
He added that the festival aims not only to celebrate and honor the country’s master artisans, craftsmen, and folk artists, but also to encourage them to continue their traditional crafts so that Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage may be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Khichi, said, “Undoubtedly, this festival reflects the government’s commitment to promoting initiatives that serve public welfare, celebrate cultural diversity, and offer meaningful and healthy recreational opportunities for the people of Pakistan.”
Addressing the audience, the Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture expressed his pleasure, stating:
“It is indeed an honor for me to be here for the first time in my official capacity. I am delighted to see that under this Ministry, institutions like Lok Virsa are working professionally and effectively to promote Pakistan’s culture and introduce it to the world in a beautiful manner. We will continue to support and appreciate such initiatives that help counter extremism and foster social harmony.”
As part of a cherished annual tradition, one master craftsman, one craftswoman, and one folk artist are honored each year by presenting them with a shawl or turban as a mark of respect.
This year, the honors were bestowed upon a master craftswoman of Stone Carving from Gilgit-Baltistan and Bano Rahmat, a renowned folk artist from Kashmir.
During the opening ceremony, various folk artists from across the country performed traditional songs and dances, receiving enthusiastic applause from the large audience.
The festival will continue until November 16. The entry tickets are priced at Rs. 200 per person, while a discounted rate of Rs. 100 per person is available for students.