Singers and dancers from Gilgit-Baltistan enthrall thousands at Lok Mela

Text and Photos: Noor Pamiri

Islamabad, April 17: Renowned artists from different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan enthralled thousands of people with musical performances today at the Lok Virsa, during a special programme held as part of the National Lok Mela.

Baba-e-Hareep, Ustad Jan Ali, had the thousands of people stand on their feet as he performed one of his most famous songs, in which he criticizes the clergy, taunting them of being full of moralism and double standards.

Imtiaz Shehki, President of the Gilgit-Baltistan Culture and Arts Council revived memories of the times when vast majority of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were engaged in rearing sheep and goats. He performed the Paylo Dance, in which is a jubilant Shepherd celebrates the birth of a new animal. He also performed a dance, dressed like a Markhor.

According to ancient myths, the Markhors used to come down the mountain slopes, dancing, when some renowned musicians at a village located in the vicinity of Gilgit played music.

Other renowned singers who performed at the event included Ghulam Nabi Hamraz, Ali Khan Kashif, Ayub Mutasir, Fazal Rehman Shirin Sado, Sher Khan Janisar, Manzoor Balti, Sher Khan Nagri, Daulat Wali Baig, Tahir Zaman and Islam ud Din Islam, among others.

The artists from Gilgit-Baltistan Culture and Arts Council and the Initiative for Promotion of Pamiri Arts and Culture (IPPAC) represented Gilgit-Baltistan at the event, performing songs in Shina, Wakhi, Balti, Burushaski and Khowar.

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