Top of Form As it embarks on its 11th edition, Lahooti Melo is poised to further establish itself as a cultural haven dedicated to discussions and art centered around ecology and indigeneity. Conceived by Sketches frontman Saif Samejo and his wife Sana Khoja, Lahooti Melo has expanded its footprint from Jamshoro to Hyderabad, Karachi, and most recently, Sukkur. Reflecting on the festival’s evolution, the founders shared their insights in an exclusive interview.
Saif remarked that festivals, like living entities, evolve over time. Lahooti Melo has traversed various cities, becoming a catalyst for similar initiatives by institutions like the Arts Council of Pakistan and the Sindh Culture Department. Scheduled to return to Hyderabad’s historic Rani Bagh on January 20, the festival boasts an impressive lineup, including Faris Shafi, Mai Dhai, and Sketches, captivating audiences with a day-long celebration before heading to Sukkur on February 17.
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The founders attribute Lahooti’s longevity to its grassroots origins and realistic expectations. Saif emphasized the festival’s small desires and few expectations, driven by a clear intention to promote music. Under the motto #EconotEgo, Lahooti Melo aligns itself with climate change activism, acknowledging the interconnectedness of life and advocating for humility in human actions.
Sana underscored the festival’s role in addressing multiple economies, supporting struggling musicians, and engaging with bureaucratic actors. Lahooti Melo actively collaborates with policymakers to introduce music as a primary curriculum subject in government schools, providing employment opportunities for musicians. The festival aligns each edition with a climate-related cause, with this year’s focus on the threatened Karoonjhar mountain range in Tharparkar facing a mining and excavation project.
Saif and Sana emphasized the importance of creating awareness and taking practical measures during the festival, such as discouraging plastic use and implementing solid waste management. While recognizing individual responsibility, they stress the festival’s role in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices. Lahooti Melo positions itself as a politically conscious moderator, not imposing rules but encouraging alternatives and contributing to the revival of public spaces, such as this year’s venue at Rani Bagh in Hyderabad.
