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A giant dragon model is displayed in Liberty Chowk on the eve of Basant celebrations. Photo: NNI
LAHORE:
Lahore marked the end of Basant on 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 display of tradition, endurance and cautious celebration under tight security.
In Lahore – widely regarded as the cultural capital of Pakistan – especially in the walled city, rooftops filled with kite flyers of all ages as the festival came alive. Children droned through narrow streets in search of fallen dragons, while families lingered on rooftops, locked in friendly aerial contests that stretched on for hours.
Many residents donned traditional yellow attire, prepared seasonal delicacies and exchanged sweets, adding color and warmth to a festive atmosphere that rippled through the neighborhoods.
The festivities took place over several days, shaped by changing moods and weather. On opening day, calm winds kept kites on the ground until evening, when a late breeze finally drew residents skyward. White glints – often associated with peace – speckled the night sky.
However, the mood remained subdued as news of a deadly blast in Islamabad dampened the celebrations and cast a somber shadow over the occasion.
On the second day, drumbeats and loud celebrations remained muted, yet kite flying continued late into the night as weather conditions improved. On the third day, enthusiasm peaked with steady winds allowing non-stop kite fights across the city.
Visitors from other cities and countries joined Lahore’s residents in large numbers. Overseas Pakistanis and foreign guests were seen celebrating with the locals, reflecting the wide appeal of the festival. Several political figures also attended.
Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif celebrated Basant in the inner city while Hamza Shehbaz marked the occasion near Lohari Gate.
Senior 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 used henna, wore colorful clothes and prepared traditional food at home. Special meals and sweets 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” programme, where a music concert on the third day attracted local and foreign audiences. Singers Nadeem Abbas Lonewala and Megha performed live as the crowds danced as nearby rooftops filled with onlookers.
Marriyum Aurangzeb hosted members of the US diplomatic mission, including the ambassador, consul general and an undersecretary, who participated in kite flying. The delegation praised Lahore’s cuisine, cultural heritage and hospitality.
Aurangzeb said cultural activities help bring nations closer and project Pakistan’s peaceful and positive image to the world.
Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari welcomed guests from the US and UK and noted that families had traveled specifically to experience Basant in Lahore. She confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had extended the festival to 05:00 the following morning, citing the extent of public participation.
Bukhari said the celebrations were not limited to Lahore alone, adding that the festival reverberated across the country.
Authorities maintained increased security throughout the festival. Dolphin Force teams patrolled sensitive areas with strict enforcement against aerial firing, fireworks, narcotics and banned kite strings. Police units remained connected to a central control room to ensure a quick response.
Despite elaborate security announcements, tragedy struck in 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 the hospital in critical condition but could not survive. The police completed legal formalities and shifted the body to a mortuary.
A local journalist, Zain Malik, was among those who lost their lives during the celebrations after falling from a roof in Lahore. Malik, a resident of Sanda, reportedly 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 with several television channels in Lahore.
In a separate incident, a child identified as Zain was seriously injured in the Defense C area 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.
Scope of the event
Officials recorded that nearly 900,000 vehicles had entered Lahore over three days. Under government schemes, about 1.4 million passengers used free public transport, including metro services, feeder buses and electric buses.
On the last day, 419 buses and 6,000 subsidized online rickshaw rides remained in operation.
CM Maryam praised Lahore’s residents for largely complying with the safety standard operating procedures. She said there were no confirmed reports of banned kite lines or metal wire and that power infrastructure remained protected.
Emergency services, including mobile clinics and field hospitals, were deployed across major areas.
Officials acknowledged that recent security incidents elsewhere had dampened the mood, but said the peaceful conduct of the festival sent a clear message that cultural life would continue despite challenges.
