The annual folk festival – Lok Mela- being held here at th Shakarparian has been successful in presenting the true cultural identity of all provinces and regions including the Gilgit-Baltistan. While visiting the festival grounds, one can see that a unique combination of cultural heritage of all federating units has been impressively presented by the organizers in a professional manner. Besides other provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan is also participating in the festival with a contingent of over 40 persons including master artisans, folk artists and folk musicians. At the Gilgit-Baltistan pavilion, a group of young artists and musicians attired in traditional regional costumes is seen performing and attracting the crowd along with sword and folk dance. Historically, Gilgit-Baltistan has been at the crossroads of various civilizations for centuries. It has a unique location and serves as a confluence for some of the world’s highest mountain ranges – the Pamirs, the Karakoram and the Hindukush. It has also been a place of cultural cross currents. Living in historical oblivion and geographical isolation from the rest of the world, the people have clung to a farming life, raising cattle, tending orchards and harvesting crops. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a number of diversified cultural entities, ethnic groups and various backgrounds. This multitude of culture is because of the strategic location of Gilgit. In view of the multi-cultural and multi-lingual aspects, people also have a beautiful mix of lifestyles and attitudes, presenting a pluralistic society living together with peace and harmony for centuries. Folk artists and musicians from Gilgit-Baltistan enthralled audience at the musical night arranged by Lok Virsa here at the Open Air Theatre. Minister for Works Gilgit-Baltistan Muhammad Iqbal was the chief guest on the occasion. The artists who performed at the folk musical program were Muhammad Asim, piano player; Awais Shahzal, singer;Manzoor Baltistani, singer;Sher Khan Nagari, singer; Azeem Hunzai, singer; Rashid Iqbal, singer; Ahsanul Haq, singer; Iqbal Hussain, singer; Doulat Wali Baig, singer; Shah Zaman Faraq, singer, and others. Today (Sunday) is the closing day of the festival and a ceremony will be held wherein awards will be presented to the folk artists and artisans. Published in Daily Times, November 11th 2018.