Islamabad 15 November 2025(Kamran Raja): Lok Virsa’s flagship cultural festival Lok Mela marked an extraordinary Day 9, drawing an overwhelming 200,000+ visitors to the festival grounds. Families, youth, students, diplomats, and culture enthusiasts continued to pour into the vibrant Lok Virsa lawns, transforming the venue into a hub of music, color, crafts, and cultural pride.
The festival atmosphere remained electric as crowds explored provincial pavilions, interacted with artisans, and enjoyed regional food that showcased Pakistan’s rich and diverse heritage. The unprecedented weekend turnout reaffirmed Lok Mela’s standing as the country’s most celebrated multicultural event.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa musical night kept the spirit soaring, featuring a stellar lineup of artists who captivated audiences throughout the evening. The program opened with soulful performances by Zeek Afridi and Bakhtiar Khattak, whose powerful voices set a dynamic tone for the night. Emerging favourite Sana Tajik mesmerized the crowd with her expressive renditions, while Raj Wali brought a traditional flair that resonated deeply with folk music lovers.
The charismatic Fatima Nazish hosted the evening, keeping the audience engaged with her energy and rapport. The highlight of the night was the Shahid Ali Khan Qawwali Group (10 members), whose electrifying qawwali presentation had the entire arena clapping and chanting in unison. Their spiritual and rhythmic performance became one of the most memorable moments of Day 9.
Adding further beauty to the program, Arzu Naz delivered emotional melodies that drew huge applause. A dedicated group of live musicians-performing on saxophone, banjo, rubab, harmonium, and tabla-enhanced the musical richness of every act, creating a soundscape that truly celebrated Pakistan’s folk soul.
Lok Virsa management expressed their gratitude to the massive number of visitors who continue to support and celebrate Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Executive Director, Dr. Muhammad Wagas Saleem, appreciated the overwhelming public response and reiterated Lok Virsa’s commitment to promoting indigenous traditions, supporting artisans, and giving artists from across the country a national platform.
With each passing day, Lok Mela 2025 continues to grow in excitement and participation, cementing its place as the biggest cultural festival of the year. The momentum now builds toward the final days, promising even more musical nights, cultural showcases, and family-friendly experiences.