ISLAMABAD: Like other provinces and regions, the rich culture, crafts, folk music, rituals and traditions of Jammu and Kashmir are being showcased in the Lok Mela through the participation of craftspeople, folk artists and musicians.
The Kashmir pavilion has been set up by Azad Kashmir Culture and Tourism Department. A contingent of over 25 participants from Azad Kashmir is taking part in the festival.
They include 11 craftspeople in the field of wood carving, carpets, namda, gaba, Kashmiri shawl and embroidery artisans are Yasmin Mustafa, Shahzadi Bano, Amjad Ali, Irfan Ghulam Nabi, Jamal Zafar, Sadiq Ali, Kamran Butt, Sheikh Muhammad Yousaf and Azra Kausar.
Among the prominent artisans Irfan Ghulam Nabi is a master artisan in wood carving from the Kashmir Valley. He learnt this art from his forefathers at the tender age of seven. Due to the oppressive polices of the Indian occupation forces, his family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Rawalpindi permanently. He is imparting training to several students, thus ensuring the continuity of his art to the younger generation.
Irfan uses walnut wood, cedar, delbergia sissoo (Shisham) for creating exquisitely carved furniture, doors, boxes and decorative items. He often uses teak wood for crafting the most intricately carved items. He carves nature, leaf patterns, animals and floral designs. Irfan took a part in a number of festivals and exhibitions in the country and abroad. He has been attending Lok Mela annually for long and winning recognition for his talent.
A cultural night was also part of the activities by Azad Kashmir Department of Sports, Youth and Culture during Lok Mela featuring many folk artists and musicians from Azad Kashmir.
ISLAMABAD: Like other provinces and regions, the rich culture, crafts, folk music, rituals and traditions of Jammu and Kashmir are being showcased in the Lok Mela through the participation of craftspeople, folk artists and musicians.
