ISLAMABAD: Taking advantage of the holiday, thousands of people made a beeline for Shakarparian to witness the artwork of rural artisans at the ongoing Lok Mela festival. Anxious parents elbowed to get entry tickets for themselves and their children to witness the charm of the rural life in different provinces.
Over five hundred craftspeople could be seen actively demonstrating their work. The dominant historical influence still to be seen in the form, design and color of Pakistani handicrafts was essentially Islamic, a fusion of Turkish, Arab, Persian and the indigenous Mughal traditions.
While moving from one province’s pavilion to another, cultural diversity was clearly evident, and those who had travelled miles to participate in the festival were ambassadors of their regions. Dressed in traditional attire, they attracted crowds with displays of their unique and enriching folk crafts, food items and short cultural performances.