Daily Times

It has been written that the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but building the new. Pakistan is undergoing some turbulent times but for some this may indicate the exact stage at which we are on the precipice of great societal change.

‘Art Langar’ is a festival that took place this weekend at the Rock Musicarium in Islamabad conceived and organized by Arieb Azhar and his excellent team. The message of the occasion was, “Food for the soul, mind, body, heart and spirit, and Sab ka bhala Sab ki khair (good will and good tidings to all).” Just like the body needs food, the heart needs love, the mind needs positive thoughts, and the spirit needs empathy and elevation.

Over 20 bands created a beautiful two day celebration of arts, regional crafts, music and singing from each province along with a food langar for children from Mashal Model School (for street children). Performances included Shah Jo Raag faqirs of Bhit shah Oqaab, Shajr Lewa Makrani Mai Dhai, Mekaal Hasan band, Farhad Humayun, Overload, Malang Party, Bakhshi Brothers, Jasim and the Pindi boys, and Qawwalistan.

The atmosphere was fun and festive but also chilled and relaxed due to the nature of the audience and the excellent security system that became the need of the hour at such a large scale entertainment event. It felt safe and secure.

Arieb says, “It’s important to distinguish between culture and tradition. For example, some ancient traditions such as burying baby girls illustrate a lack of culture.”

“Culture is the best practice that has evolved over centuries regarding the best way to live and celebrate life as a community; and because the world is changing, culture must be inclusive and fluid. The present generation does not exist in circumstances similar to their parents. Culture includes learning from elders how to live together as well as taking on a framework of how to interact with other communities. In order for a culture to remain relevant and relative it must be connected and inclusive of the culture of humanity.”

Over 20 bands created a beautiful two day celebration of arts, regional crafts, music and singing from each province along with a langar for children. The Art Langar was attended by around 4000 people and has established itself as a cornerstone of not just a music festival, but a movement

“The alternative narrative has to be based on our real culture, the universal culture. It is important to teach these values and learn new ones from our youth. Some of these values are brotherhood, sisterhood, empathy, tolerance and charity, civic responsibility, taking care of each other and protecting the vulnerable.”

“Pakistan has a rich, vibrant and diverse culture, and art and music are its language. We need to channelize the values of our culture and integrate them within the modern world and our youth. Pakistan can not only learn from its own poetry, songs and literature but can also teach the rest of the world on how to get along. We need to make our culture accessible to the rest of the world and translate our great works properly (as so much gets lost in translation). Everyone in the West has heard of Rumi but nobody has heard of Bulleh Shah.”

The alternative narrative has to be based on our real culture, the universal culture. It is important to teach these values and learn new ones from our youth. Some of these values are brotherhood, sisterhood, empathy, tolerance and charity, civic responsibility, taking care of each other and protecting the vulnerable

“Regarding the concept of Art Langar, we are trying to show that art and music are crucial activities for the mental and spiritual health of a society. It is important to simultaneously feed the poor soulfully as well as physically. Art Langar was inspired by the Mela (festival) culture of Pakistan and part of the reason it was a success is because of the sense of community it created. So many girls commended the good behavior of the crowd.”

“In addition to the meaning of feeding the community, Langar means many things. It also means the anchor of a ship and it also means a plough a tool that tills fields for farmers. The idea of the Langar is that we should all give, so all may receive. This helps to redistribute the balance within society. The world can function better as a community when we selflessly contribute together.”

Arieb Azhar, a Sufi and folk musician has spent considerable time in Croatia and speaks the local language fluently because of his studies and profound associations there. He recently performed with accomplished violinist, May Robertson, in London, in a piece titled ‘The Rose and the Bulbul’. Arieb travels the world armed with his guitar and his powerful voice of reason, humanity and kinship.

After the resounding success of Art Langar which was attended by around 4000 people, it has been established as a cornerstone of not just a music festival, but a movement. The good news is that it will soon be reaching Lahore and Karachi. Arieb adds that Art Langar is a place where everyone is welcome.

“If music be the food of love, play on…”

The writer is Director of Strategic Communications at the Ehsaas Foundation in Islamabad and works as a Communications Consultant for corporate media. She can be reached at freehashaukat@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, December 7^th 2017.