.
A giant kite model is displayed at Liberty Chowk on the eve of Basant celebrations. Photo: NNI
LAHORE:
Lahore marked the conclusion of Basant on Sunday with widespread celebrations across the city, as the skies filled with colorful kites and residents gathered on rooftops, streets and public spaces to welcome spring in a show of tradition, resilience and cautious celebration under tight security.
In Lahore, widely regarded as the cultural capital of Pakistan, particularly in the Walled City, the rooftops were filled with kites of all ages as the festival came to life. Children ran through narrow streets in search of fallen kites, while families remained on rooftops, engaged in friendly aerial competitions that lasted for hours.
Many residents dressed in traditional yellow costumes, prepared seasonal delicacies and exchanged sweets, adding color and warmth to a festive spirit that spread through the neighborhoods.
The celebrations took place over several days, conditioned by changes in mood and weather. On opening day, calm winds kept the kites grounded until evening, when a late breeze finally drew the residents skyward. White comets, often associated with peace, dotted the night sky.
However, the mood remained subdued as news of a deadly blast in Islamabad tempered the festivities and cast a somber shadow over the occasion.
On the second day, the drumming and noisy festivities remained silent, but kite flying continued late into the night as weather conditions improved. On the third day, enthusiasm reached its peak, with constant winds allowing for non-stop kite battles throughout 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 festival’s wide appeal. 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.
Chief 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, many of them flying kites, while others applied henna, wore colorful clothes and prepared traditional meals at home. Special foods 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 organized 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, and the crowd danced as nearby rooftops filled with spectators.
Marriyum Aurangzeb received members of the American diplomatic mission, including the ambassador, the consul general and an undersecretary, who participated in the kite flying. 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 the families had traveled specifically to experience Basant in Lahore. He confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had extended the festival until 5am the next day, citing the magnitude of public participation.
Bukhari said the celebrations were not limited to Lahore alone, adding that the festival resonated across the country.
Authorities maintained increased security throughout the festival. Dolphin Force teams patrolled sensitive areas, enforcing strict measures against aerial gunfire, fireworks, narcotics and banned kite strings. Police units remained connected to a central control room to ensure a quick response.
Despite extensive safety messages, 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. The police completed the legal formalities and transferred the body to a morgue.
A local journalist, Zain Malik, was among those who lost their lives 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 injured, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Malik had worked as a reporter in several television channels in Lahore.
In a separate incident, a boy identified as Zain was seriously injured in Defense C area when a kite string hit his neck. Police said the boy received 15 stitches and received immediate medical treatment. The incident sparked concern among residents.
Scale of the event
Authorities recorded the entry of nearly 900,000 vehicles into Lahore over three days. According to government agreements, around 1.4 million passengers enjoyed free public transportation, including metro services, feeder buses and electric buses.
On the last day, 419 buses and 6,000 subsidized online rickshaw rides remained operational.
CM Maryam praised the residents of Lahore for largely adhering to the safety standard operating procedures. He said there were no confirmed reports of banned kite strings or metal cables and that electrical infrastructure remained protected.
Emergency services were deployed in major areas, including mobile clinics and field hospitals.
Officials acknowledged that recent security incidents elsewhere had tempered the mood, but said the peaceful celebration of the festival sent a clear message that cultural life would continue despite the challenges.
