14 Nov 2024, Islamabad: Azad Kashmir Department of Culture organized a music concert at Lok Virsa’s Open Air Theatre. This event featured prominent folk artists from Azad Kashmir, including Badr Khan, Altaf Ahmed Mir, Ashiq Butt, Sohail Abbasi, Dilawar Abbas, Hina Abbasi, Shakeel Ahmed Mir, Nader Ali, SajjadShah, Babar Panjkoti, Bano Rahmat, Abdul Basit, Noman Saleem, and Raja Anwar.
At Lok Mela, Kashmir’s vibrant cultural heritage spanning handicrafts, folk music, rituals, and traditions is drawing significant public attention. Like other provinces, Kashmir’s rich culture is represented with participation from artisans, folk artists, and musicians in various fields. Over 25 artisans and artists from Azad Jammu and Kashmir are showcasing their skills at the festival. These talented individuals include Zulfiqar Ghazi, Yasmeen Mustafa, Shahzadi Bano, Amjad Ali, Irfan Ghulam Nabi, Khawaja Muhammad Siddique, Rizwana Nooreen, Qazi Abdul Razzaq, Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf, Najma Hafeez, Jamal Zafar, and Ghulam Mustafa. Among them, Zulfiqar Ghazi is renowned for his expertise in Kashmiri papier-mâché.
Zulfiqar Ghazi’s talent extends beyond papier-mâché and miniature art to include stained glass, fabric design, and traditional furniture painting, often featuring motifs inspired by nature, birds, animals, and Mughal emperors. He is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the artistic legacy of the Mughal era. He has showcased his work in numerous festivals and exhibitions both nationally and internationally, earning cash prizes and certificates for his exceptional craftsmanship.
Ghulam Nabi, another prominent folk artist, specializes in wood carving and hails originally from Kashmir Valley. He learned the craft from his ancestors at the age of seven. Following his family’s migration to Pakistan due to the challenging circumstances in Indian-administered Kashmir, they resettled in Rawalpindi, where he now teaches wood carving to young students, ensuring that the art continues into the next generation. Irfan Ghulam Nabi, another skilled artisan, creates exquisitely carved tables, doors, boxes, and decorative items using walnut, cedar, and shesham woods. His work often features intricate designs of leaves, nature, and animals. He has also participated in numerous fairs and exhibitions across the country and abroad and attends the folk fair annually. The Mela will continue till November 17, 2024 at Lok Virsa.
Editor: Kamran Raja