6027 Islamabad : The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa, which is an autonomous cultural organisation working under the patronage of government of Pakistan, is organising its annual folk festival popularly known as "Lok Mela" which started  from April Ist. Gilgit Baltistan Tourism Department has set up grand pavilions presenting their indigenous folk cultures, artisans, artists and traditional cuisine at the grand mela of Lok Virsa. While explaining the objectives of this largest cultural event, Dr Fouzia Saeed said, "Lok Mela aims at promoting, perpetuating and preserving arts, crafts, culture, folk music and traditional skills of Pakistan. She said that this unique event has now become a symbol of the federation's recognition and patronage to our rich cultural diversity and active participation of the people adding that the central focus of Lok Mela is rural Pakistan. She said the direct beneficiaries are artisans, folk artists, folk musicians and other performers from the rural areas and remote regions. It disseminates the dynamic creativity of our countryside and gives people pride in their identity, she added. More than  500 artisans and folk artists from all parts of the country are attending Lok Mela by bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation adding that the master artisans and folk artists are promoted by way of giving them a platform to demonstrate their skills. The colorful mela will continue till April 10th and  musical night of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will be held  on April 7th.