The Culture Department, Government of Sindh, presented a “Sindh cultural night” here in “Lok Mela” organized by Lok Virsa, Shakarparian, on Saturday wherein outstanding folk artists and musicians performed giving a true reflection of the diverse culture and musical heritage of the land of Sufism – Sindh province.
Humaira Channa, Taj Mastani, Mai Dhai, Jamaluddin Faqir, Mazhar Hussain & Zulfiqar Ali, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Diba Kanwal & master Wali gave thrilling performances live in a concert for public, which were greatly appreciated by the audience. The audience was also very much impressed with the group performance of the artists which infused a new spirit of life in them. A large number of music lovers and general public attended the event and praised for the artists’ high stature and competence. Sindh’s legendary mystic singer, Madam Abida Parveen was the chief guest at the cultural night.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary Culture Sindh, Mr. Abdul Aziz Uqaili, highly commended the role and services of Lok Virsa as a specialized cultural body at the federal capital charged with the mandate for collection, documentation and preservation of Pakistan’s magnificent cultural heritage. He also lauded the untiring efforts of the officials of Culture Department Sindh, who, in collaboration with the artists, artisans, musicians and singers from Sindh, made the festival more colorful and entertaining.
According to Lok Virsa’s sources, Sindh was the first province that made confirmation for participation in the festival that too with full devotion and enthusiasm. A big contingent of over hundred participants (master artisans, folk artists, musicians, dance groups and officials) came to take part in the festival on the orders of the Sindh culture minister Sassi Palijo. The cultural village of Sindh depicted the fascinating themes of the Sindhi villages and traditional bazaars, which attracted the visitors the most.
Sindh is famous for a wide range of folk crafts like lacquer art, Farasi weaving, blue pottery, Sindhi embroidery, Ajrak, block printing, traditional carpet weaving, rilli (appliqué work), tie-dye, khes weaving, wood works, Thari embroidery and several others, which all have been showcased at the festival.