LAHORE: One of the regular features of Lahore`s cultural calendar, the National Folk Puppet Festival, concluded on a high note at Rafi Peer Cultural Centre, Raiwind Road on Sunday.

The three-day 15th National Folk Puppet Festival, a major attraction for families and children, offered a rich diversity of puppets attracting thousands of visitors, mostly families, on all three days.

Creative director of the festival, Saadan Peerzada, told Dawn the event went very well and so did the youth festival. However, he regretted the Punjab government did not support the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop as it should be supported. The mascot parade was the salient feature of the concluding night.

Krishan Lal Bheel, a folk singer, also performed in his distinct style. The performances by Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) Puppetry Group and that of Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop were highly appreciated by the audience due to the melodious combination of music and songs.

The festival was a celebration of folk art, crafts and culture from around the country and is held annually to welcome the turn of seasons. The festival features puppetry, music and dance performances and an exhibition of indigenous arts and crafts from around the country.

Known folk puppeteers Bahadar Ali, Bashir Dhamali, Abdul Aziz, Abid Ali, Muhammad Jamil and Muhammad Bashir showcased their talent along with the PNCA, Alhamra Puppet Theatre and Asghar Bahawalpuri.