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A giant kite model is displayed in the Liberty Chowk on the eve of Basant celebrations. Photo: NNI
LAHORE:
Lahore marked the conclusion of the Basant on Sunday with widespread celebrations across the city, as skies filled with colourful 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 Pakistan’s cultural capital – particularly in the Walled City, rooftops filled with kite flyers of all ages as the festival came alive. Children darted through narrow streets in pursuit of fallen kites, while families lingered on rooftops, locked in friendly aerial contests that stretched for hours.
Many residents donned traditional yellow attire, prepared seasonal delicacies and exchanged sweets, lending colour and warmth to a festive spirit that rippled through neighbourhoods.
The celebrations unfolded over several days, shaped by shifting moods and weather. On the opening day, calm winds kept kites grounded until evening, when a late breeze finally drew residents skyward. White kites — often associated with peace — speckled the night sky.
However, the atmosphere remained restrained, as news of a deadly blast in Islamabad tempered the festivities and cast a sombre shadow over the occasion.
On the second day, drumbeats and loud festivities remained muted, yet kite flying continued late into the night as weather conditions improved. By the third day, enthusiasm peaked, with steady winds allowing uninterrupted kite battles across the city.
Visitors from other cities and countries joined Lahore’s residents in large numbers. Overseas Pakistanis and foreign guests were seen celebrating alongside locals, reflecting the festival’s broad appeal. Several political figures also took part.
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 applied henna, wore colourful clothing and prepared traditional foods at home. Special meals and sweets were widely shared among neighbours and guests.
Cultural events were also organised 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 drew local and foreign audiences. Singers Nadeem Abbas Lonewala and Megha performed live, with crowds dancing as 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 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 United States and the United Kingdom, noting that families had travelled specifically to experience Basant in Lahore. She confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had extended the festival until 5am the following morning, citing the scale of public participation.
Bukhari said the celebrations were not limited to Lahore alone, adding that the festival resonated across the country.
Authorities maintained heightened 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 swift response.
Despite extensive safety messaging, tragedy struck in Bilal Ganj, where a 16-year-old boy from Sialkot, identified as Abdullah, died after falling from a rooftop while celebrating Basant. Edhi Foundation officials said he was taken to the hospital in critical condition but could not survive. Police completed legal formalities and shifted the body to a morgue.
A local journalist, Zain Malik, was among those who lost their lives during the festivities after falling from a rooftop in Lahore. Malik, a resident of Sanda, reportedly slipped while attempting to disentangle a kite. He was rushed to Mian Munshi Hospital in an injured condition, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
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 Defence C area when a kite string struck his neck. Police said the child received 15 stitches and was provided immediate medical treatment. The incident raised concern among residents.
Scale of the event
Officials recorded the entry of nearly 900,000 vehicles into Lahore over three days. Under government arrangements, about 1.4 million passengers availed themselves of free public transport, including metro services, feeder buses and electric buses.
On the final day, 419 buses and 6,000 subsidised online rickshaw rides remained operational.
CM Maryam praised Lahore’s residents for largely adhering to safety standard operating procedures. She said there were no confirmed reports of banned kite strings 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 tempered the mood but said the peaceful conduct of the festival sent a clear message that cultural life would continue despite challenges.
