The ongoing Lok Mela at Shakarparian has been an attempt by the Lok Virsa authorities to help people rediscover the strong bonds with their traditional roots. The weeks long fair featuring stalls which contain traditional articles and coupled with folk music and dances has been providing a treat to public sensuousness.
This aura of colour, sounds and pictorial beauty enthralled the visitors who came thronging Shakarparian in large numbers. Artists, musicians and handicrafts belonging to all parts of the country succeed in invoking the inner feelings of the visitors about their strong attachments with their traditional roots.
The verdant atmosphere of Shakarparian continues to vibrate with the magical sounds of drums, pipes and touching voice of folk singers. On one hand, this small village of colours and sounds appeals to sense of hearing while on the other hand it captivates the beholder with its multicoloured symmetry.
Artists and performers from the remote areas of four provinces are representing their ancient culture and providing an opportunity to modern day bound people to have a break from their hectic life.
Embroidered costumes, jewellery, articles containing wooden work, metal work, block printing, ivory and bone work are at display in various pavilions. A visitor can feel and experience the variety in tastes, culture and heritage all under one roof.
Traditional Shawls, Namda, Gabba, Ruli, Ajrak, Khusa etc; are the focus of visitors' attention.
Talking to APP on Thursday Lok Virsa Director Mazhar-ul-Islam said definitely Lok Mela was an attempt to create harmony among rural and urban areas. He said, "We must adhere to our traditional roots like a strong tree, which has deeper roots and can face the wear and tear effects of the weather."
"I will call it as combination of skill and soul," he added. The director said, by holding annual Lok Mela they tried to disseminate the traditional expression of the country.