Lahooti Melo: Making art sustainable & accessible one festival at a time
Lahooti Melo is an international folk and contemporary music festival with a spiritual streak that brings together the finest musicians, writers, indigenous and mainstream artists, filmmakers, activists, and keynote speakers under one roof. This annual event not only celebrates diverse artistic expressions but also makes art sustainable and accessible to people from all walks of life.
By reviving each year with a smelting blend of artists from different parts of the Pakistan and the world, Lahooti Melo creates a vibrant platform for sharing and reflecting on experiences, trends, opportunities, practical challenges, and social issues. This inclusive approach ensures that the festival remains a dynamic space for cultural exchange and artistic growth, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the arts across diverse communities.
Eco, not ego
Lahooti Melo 2024
Lahooti Melo 2024 made history with its vibrant celebrations held in Hyderabad and Sukkur. Featuring stellar performances by artists like Mai Dhai, Faris Shafi, Umair Jaswal, and the Leo Twins, the festival brought together a diverse array of talent. Panel sessions on the preservation of Karoonjhar mountains, permaculture, and reclaiming heritage through art added depth to the event, emphasizing the festival's commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability.
10 Years of Lahooti
Lahooti Melo 2023
Marked a momentous occasion, celebrating 10 years of Lahooti as an organization dedicated to cultural preservation and innovation. Held in the heart of Hyderabad, the festival featured an impressive lineup of artists including Monica Dogra, Niazi Brothers, Ani Choying Drolma, Akbar Khamiso Khan, and Zainub J. Khawaja, among others. This milestone event not only showcased extraordinary performances but also highlighted Lahooti’s decade-long journey of nurturing and promoting the rich tapestry of folk and contemporary arts.
Celebrating Sindhu
Lahooti Melo 2022
A grand celebration held across Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, with a theme focused on the protection of the Sindhu River as a vital entity. This festival brought attention to the river’s cultural and environmental significance through a diverse lineup of performances by upcoming Sindhi artists and rappers. Emphasizing inclusivity, the event was made accessible to the deaf community. Major performers included Khumaariyaan, Shumol, Manjhi Fakir, Bano Rehmat, and The Sketches, who all contributed to an unforgettable celebration of the Sindhu River’s enduring legacy and importance.
Creating an Indus Archive
Lahooti Melo Digital Edition
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lahooti Melo embraced a digital format, capturing stories of social and environmental issues through art and poetry. Our team traveled to villages, highlighting indigenous wisdom and resistance.
Featuring water expert Dr. Hassan Abbas, writers Jami Chandio and Nur-ul-Huda Shah, FNF organization, digital artist Pakkhee, and soulful performances by Mai Dhai, Bhagat Bhooro Lal, Khumariyaan, Kaif Ghaznavi and Hamza Akram Qawwal, the digital festival was a profound celebration of resilience.
Lahooti Melo’s digital edition showcased the enduring spirit of Sindh, blending art and community in a time of global challenge.