ð©ððððð – The Lost Festival of Lahore ðª
ðð¢ðŽð¢ð¯ðµ 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 ðð¢ðŽð¢ð¯ðµ including phrases such as ðð°-ð¬ð¢ðµð¢, ð±ð¢ðµð¢ð¯ðš, ð±ðŠð€ð©ð¢, ð±ðªð¯ð¯ð¢ and ð€ð©ð¢ð³ð¬ð©ðª creating a vibrant atmosphere.
During this celebration, music and ð¥ð©ð°ð beats mingle with lively dances, while the air carries the enticing aroma of intoxicating food, ðð¢ðŽð©ð®ðªð³ðª ð€ð©ð¢ðª and warm ð«ð¢ððŠð£ðªðŽ. Lahore’s Old City rooftops are adorned with families, where women don shades of yellow complemented by matching ð€ð©ð°ð°ð³ðªðŽ, ð¬ð©ð¶ðŽðŽð¢ðŽ, ðšð¢ð«ð³ð¢ðŽ 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 ðð¢ðŽð¢ð¯ðµ’ðŽ 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


