Besides other regions of the country, the rich and beautiful cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan is serving as a visitors at the ongoing annual Folk Festival at Lok Virsa, Islamabad
The pavilion of Gilgit Baltistan has a contingent of over 35 persons, including master artisans, folk artists, folk musicians and officials. Among creative craftspeople, Abida Ameen is a special person from Ghizer. She learnt the art of wood carving from her mother at the age of 17. The sophisticated and complex wood work in Pakistan is contribution of the rich culture of northern part of Pakistan specially Hunza Valley. She has been participating in various festival of artisans-at-work.
Another artisan Musa is a master craftsman of stone carving. He makes traditional stone cooking pots which are used throughout Gilgit-Baltistan.
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 mountains ranges the Pamirs, the Karakorum and the Hindukush. It has also been a place of cultural crosscurrents.
Living in historical obligation 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 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 multicultural 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.
The region harbors diverse and endangered mountain cultural traditions. Historically, these areas have been aloof from the rest of the world and their life has been revolving around livestock and agriculture, said a news release.
A cultural evening focusing on Gilgit Baltistan indigenous folk culture was also part of the activities in which famous singers of Shina, Khuwar, Wakhi, Brushiski and Gojali languages performed.
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