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A model of a giant kite is on display in Liberty Chowk on the eve of Basant celebrations. Photo: NNI
LAHORE:
Lahore marked the conclusion of Basant Sunday with widespread celebrations across the city, as the sky filled with colorful kites and residents gathered on rooftops, streets and public spaces to welcome spring in a show of tradition, endurance and cautious celebration under tight security.
In Lahore – widely considered the cultural capital of Pakistan – particularly in the Walled City, rooftops filled with kites of all ages as the festival came to life. Children rushed through the narrow streets chasing fallen kites, while families lingered on rooftops, engaged in friendly aerial contests that lasted for hours.
Many residents donned traditional yellow clothing, prepared seasonal delicacies and exchanged treats, adding color and warmth to a festive spirit that reverberated through the neighborhoods.
The celebrations took place over several days, shaped by changing moods and weather. On opening day, calm winds kept the kites on the ground until the evening, when a late breeze finally lured residents skyward. White kites – often associated with peace – dotted the night sky.
However, the atmosphere remained subdued, as news of a deadly explosion in Islamabad dampened the festivities and cast a dark shadow over the event.
On the second day, the beating of drums and noisy festivities remained quiet, but kite flying continued late into the night as weather conditions improved. On the third day, enthusiasm reached fever pitch, with steady winds allowing for non-stop kite battles across the city.
Visitors from other cities and countries joined the residents of Lahore in large numbers. Overseas Pakistanis and foreign guests were seen celebrating alongside locals, reflecting the wide appeal of the festival. Several political figures also participated.
Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif celebrated Basant in the city center, while Hamza Shehbaz marked the occasion near Lohari Gate.
State Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and politician Fawad Chaudhry were also seen flying kites, with Chaudhry describing the festival as a positive initiative by the government.
Women also played a visible role in the celebrations, with many flying kites themselves, while others applied henna, wore colorful clothing and prepared traditional dishes at home. Special meals and treats were widely shared among neighbors and guests.
Cultural events were also organized as part of the festival. At Delhi Gate, the Ministry of Information and Culture hosted the ‘Basant Bahar’ program, during which a music concert on the third day attracted local and foreign audiences. Singers Nadeem Abbas Lonewala and Megha performed live, as the crowd danced while nearby rooftops filled with spectators.
Marriyum Aurangzeb hosted members of the US diplomatic mission, including the ambassador, consul general and an undersecretary, who participated in a kite flying event. The delegation praised the cuisine, cultural heritage and hospitality of Lahore.
Aurangzeb said cultural activities help bring nations closer together and project Pakistan’s peaceful and positive image to the world.
Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari welcomed guests from the United States and the United Kingdom, noting that families had traveled specifically to experience Basant in Lahore. She confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended the festival until 5am the next morning, citing the scale of public participation.
Bukhari said the celebrations were not limited to Lahore, adding that the festival resonated across the country.
Authorities maintained tight security throughout the festival. Dolphin Force teams patrolled sensitive areas, with strict enforcement of aerial firing, fireworks, narcotics and kite strings banned. Police units remained connected to a central control room to ensure a rapid response.
Despite numerous safety messages, tragedy struck Bilal Ganj, where a 16-year-old boy from Sialkot, identified as Abdullah, died after falling from a roof while celebrating Basant. Edhi Foundation officials said he was taken to hospital in critical condition but could not survive. The police completed legal formalities and shifted the body to a morgue.
A local journalist, Zain Malik, was among those who lost his life during the festivities after falling from a roof in Lahore. Malik, a resident of Sanda, allegedly slipped while trying to untangle a kite. He was rushed to Mian Munshi Hospital in an injured condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Malik had worked as a reporter for several television channels in Lahore.
In another incident, a child identified as Zain was seriously injured in Defense Zone C when a kite string hit his neck. Police said the child received 15 stitches and received immediate medical attention. The incident caused concern among residents.
Size of the event
Authorities recorded the entry of nearly 900,000 vehicles into Lahore in three days. Thanks to government arrangements, around 1.4 million passengers have benefited from free public transport, including metro services, feeder buses and electric buses.
On the last day, 419 buses and 6,000 subsidized e-rickshaw rides remained operational.
CM Maryam praised the people of Lahore for largely adhering to the safety standard operating procedures. She said there were no confirmed reports of kite strings or wires being banned, and that electrical infrastructure remained protected.
Emergency services, including mobile clinics and field hospitals, have been deployed in major areas.
Officials acknowledged that recent security incidents elsewhere had dampened the mood, but said the festival’s peaceful proceedings sent a clear message that cultural life would continue despite the challenges.
