The culture capital of Pakistan  was overwhelmed by the colours of Basant with kites-dotted sky, in-chorus of Bo-kata yellings, blaring music, rooftop decorations, wayward dance moves and loads of mouth-watering dishes.The historic Basant Festival, a centuries-old tradition renowned for its vibrant display of colours, celebration of spring, and exhilarating kite-flying, officially made its triumphant return to Lahore.

The enthusiasm of kite-flyers – young, old, men and women – was sky high with Bhangra and hullabaloo on almost every other rooftop of the provincial capital. The Punjab government of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was the driving engine behind the roars of the Basant, embellishing the city like a bride with kite billboards installed on major arteries and crossing like Liberty Chowk. 

The supply of kites and string was exhausted by the flood of purchase orders. In her message on social media, CM Maryam Nawaz cautioned the public that they should cherish the Basant Festival but with responsibility. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz joined in the festivities, visiting Liberty Chowk and Mochi Gate, where she mingled with residents and addressed safety concerns. During her visit, she explained that the use of safety rods for motorcycles during Basant would be enforced to protect the public, though motorcycles would not be banned. 

The Kite Flying Association informed that a million kites were sold in Lahore in just one day (Wednesday), with more than 20,000 spools of string (pinna) changing hands. Despite prices going through the roof, kite sales remained strong, with a one-and-a-half tawa kite selling for Rs700, a one tawa kite for Rs400, and a pauna tawa kite for Rs300. Two-piece spools of string were priced between Rs12,000 and Rs15,000, depending on the length and quality. 

The Association noted that trade volumes grew daily, reaching Rs160 million on the first day, Rs180 million on the second, and Rs200 million on the third, before soaring to Rs680 million on the fourth day, pushing cumulative sales beyond Rs1.5 billion by day five. Key commercial hubs in Lahore, including Mochi Gate, Islampura and Samanabad have been bustling with Basant activity, while new entrants like Liberty Chowk have become central points of celebration. For majority of Lahorites, the return of Basant is not just about kites and string, rather it’s a celebration of community, culture and the promise of a more vibrant public life. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)