ISLAMABAD: The capital is gearing up for one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations of the year as Lok Mela 2025 is set to kick off on November 7.
This year’s festival holds a special place in history as it marks the Golden Jubilee of Lok Virsa – 50 years of preserving and promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
Running from November 7 to 16, the 10-day festival, organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), promises an unparalleled journey through the diverse arts, crafts, music, and cuisines that form the cultural fabric of Pakistan.
Artisans, performers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the nation will gather in Islamabad to showcase their talents, turning the capital into a kaleidoscope of traditions from all corners of Pakistan. This year’s theme, “Yakjehti k Rang, Lok Virsa k Sang” (Colors of Unity, Together with Lok Virsa), aims to foster national cohesion and celebrate the unity in diversity that defines Pakistan.
The festival will feature a stunning array of attractions, including regional craft stalls, live folk music, traditional dances, and culinary delights from every province, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, visitors will get a chance to experience the revival of traditional performances like Folk Theatre and Putli Tamasha (puppet shows).
The festival is not just a cultural showcase but also an opportunity to engage with Pakistan’s heritage, as artisans will demonstrate unique crafts such as pottery, leatherwork, and stone carving. The international pavilion will further enrich the experience by featuring cultural delegations from 12 countries.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, has congratulated Lok Virsa on its 50 years of cultural preservation, calling this edition of Lok Mela a tribute to Pakistan’s heritage. He urged the youth to participate in the event, emphasizing how such cultural gatherings promote peace, harmony, and national unity.
