š©ššššš – The Lost Festival of Lahore šŖ
šš¢š“š¢šÆšµ 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 šš¢š“š¢šÆšµ including phrases such as šš°-š¬š¢šµš¢, š±š¢šµš¢šÆšØ, š±š¦š¤š©š¢, š±šŖšÆšÆš¢ and š¤š©š¢š³š¬š©šŖ creating a vibrant atmosphere.
During this celebration, music and š„š©š°š beats mingle with lively dances, while the air carries the enticing aroma of intoxicating food, šš¢š“š©š®šŖš³šŖ š¤š©š¢šŖ and warm š«š¢šš¦š£šŖš“. Lahore’s Old City rooftops are adorned with families, where women don shades of yellow complemented by matching š¤š©š°š°š³šŖš“, š¬š©š¶š“š“š¢š“, šØš¢š«š³š¢š“ 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 šš¢š“š¢šÆšµ’š“ 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