Lok Mela 2025 had kicked off with the theme of ‘Pakistan Unique Culture Identity’ at the historic Lok Virsa in Shakarparian, Islamabad earlier this month.
As per the details, Lok Virsa has hosted the cultural Mela every year since 1981, bringing together artists, musicians and singers from across Pakistan. Lok Virsa, formally the National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage, was created in 1974, tasked with researching, documenting, preserving and promoting the folk and traditional heritage of Pakistan, including crafts, music, folk arts and intangible cultural traditions.
Over the years, Lok Virsa has done a commendable job, not only through Lok Mela but also through other cultural events and programs throughout the year.
Over time, the Lok Mela also became a symbol of the federation’s recognition of cultural diversity across provinces and regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Lok Mela was created as a flagship event of Lok Virsa, bringing together artisans, folk performers, and cultural pavilions from across Pakistan to showcase regional diversity and promote national cultural unity.
Seashell Shop at Lok Mela 2025
The 2025 Lok Mela started on 7th November and will continue till 16th November at the Lok Virsa Complex, running from 10 am to 10 pm every day. Each night, the Mela features a musical night, with each province and federating unit given a day for its cultural musical event. Balochistan’s musical night was held on the 8th, Punjab’s on the 9th, Gilgit-Baltistan’s on the 12th, Kashmir’s on the 13th, Sindh’s on the 14th and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s on the 15th of November. Famous folk and popular singers and musicians from all regions perform traditional music and songs on these nights, all nominated by provincial cultural and heritage departments.
Punjabi Pavilion
As always, Lok Mela 2025 is thoughtfully organized into multiple pavilions, each dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan’s provinces and regions. The Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) pavilions continue to be crowd favorites, drawing visitors with their beloved traditional dishes, vibrant textiles and intricate handicrafts that feel both familiar and comforting.
In contrast, the Sindh and Balochistan pavilions offer a more exploratory experience, inviting festival-goers to discover crafts, foods and stories that are less common in daily life, creating opportunities for genuine cultural exchange and appreciation. Each pavilion features occasional dance and music programs to entertain the audience.
Gilgit Baltistan Pavilion, 2025
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) pavilions bring the highlands and valleys of northern Pakistan to the heart of Islamabad. Visitors can savor authentic local dishes, shop for distinctive souvenirs, and witness the skill of artisans whose traditions have been preserved over generations.
Adding to the experience, the pavilions are set against stunning backdrops depicting the breathtaking landscapes of these regions, from the lush valleys of Kashmir to the majestic peaks and serene lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan, making every visit not just a journey through Pakistan’s crafts and cuisines, but also a visual celebration of its natural beauty. Traditional dishes like mantu, local soaps, dry fruits and embroidered crafts are readily available in the Gilgit-Baltistan pavilion.
Musicians perform at Lok Mela 2025 on Gilgit Baltistan Musical Night.
Lok Mela carries forward the South Asian tradition of communal festivals that once united neighboring villages through performance, food, and shared celebration. Organized by Lok Virsa, it brings artisans from across Pakistan to Islamabad for a week of cultural exchange, where visitors and vendors alike learn about the country’s diverse traditions, fostering connection, inclusion, and mutual discovery in a modern setting.
Be sure to visit Lok Mela, strike up conversations with the vendors, and take the opportunity to discover the stories, traditions and craftsmanship of people from across Pakistan.
