𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒕 – The Lost Festival of Lahore 🪁
𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵 is deeply rooted in the Subcontinent’s culture as it heralds the onset of spring. Lahore has popularised it globally as the largest kite festival, drawing people from around the world to immerse themselves in this rich Lahori tradition.
February evokes nostalgic memories, as colourful kites fill the daytime sky and white kites illuminate the night. The air becomes alive with language associated exclusively with 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵 including phrases such as 𝘉𝘰-𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘢, 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢, 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢 and 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘩𝘪 creating a vibrant atmosphere.
During this celebration, music and 𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘭 beats mingle with lively dances, while the air carries the enticing aroma of intoxicating food, 𝘒𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘪 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪 and warm 𝘫𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘴. Lahore’s Old City rooftops are adorned with families, where women don shades of yellow complemented by matching 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴, 𝘬𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘴, 𝘨𝘢𝘫𝘳𝘢𝘴 and yellow scarves for men.
To reclaim our cultural legacy, a collective change in attitudes and unwavering commitment to the law is essential. Upholding safety during 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵’𝘴 celebration is not just a duty; it’s a gift we bestow upon the next generations, ensuring they too can feel the unbounded joy of kite flying.
Cover credits: Painting by Ghulam Mustafa
