Former prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has celebrated Basant with friends in inner Lahore, marking the festival’s return after an 18-year hiatus.
Nawaz Sharif visited the homes of close friends and senior party leaders, including senior PML-N leader Sheikh Rohail Asghar. He enjoyed the festivities from terraces while watching colourful kites fill the sky, according to media reports.
Nawaz Sharif sat on the roof, flying kites. He held the kite and its string, commenting that the string was very beautiful, unlike the thicker strings used earlier.
Sheikh Rohail Asghar, Khurram Butt, Ahsan Dar, and a delegation of overseas Pakistanis were also present on the occasion. Guests were served harissa, mutton gram, egg halwa and mutton pulao.
It is worth noting that the colours of Basant are in full swing in Lahore. On the second day of the Basant Festival, the city is bustling with activity as citizens joyfully celebrate the event.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also took part in the celebrations, flying kites with her family.
She described the revival of Basant as a ‘bold and challenging decision’ and praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for making difficult decisions that prioritise public happiness and safety.
A large number of foreign tourists also enjoying Basant
Following the revival of Basant in Lahore, the traditional festival has drawn considerable interest from foreign tourists, many of whom actively took part in the celebrations across the city.
Foreign citizens and tourists residing in various areas of Lahore marked the occasion by flying kites on the rooftops of their homes, in hotels and at designated cultural venues.
Large numbers of international visitors were seen celebrating Basant in the walled city, around the Lahore Fort, near the Badshahi Mosque, Gulberg and Defence, where they joined residents in the festivities.
David, a foreign tourist who celebrated Basant at the Cathedral Church grounds, said that while Basant is celebrated in his home country, this was his first experience of the festival in Pakistan.
He said he was visiting Lahore with his family and described Basant as a peaceful and colourful festival that reflects the city’s rich cultural identity.
Another tourist, Maria praised the kite flying, traditional cuisine, and music associated with the festival, stating that such events offer an excellent opportunity to better understand local culture.
Several foreign tourists expressed admiration for the enthusiasm, hospitality, and distinctive style of celebration displayed by the people of Lahore.
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