Lahore is full of excitement as the historic festival Basant is taking place after a gap of 25 years. Over three days, over Rs540 million worth of kites and kite strings were sold underlining the public enthusiasm for the event.
According to the Kite Association, there were more than 500,000 kites sold on Tuesday alone and that was the third day in a row of heavy buying activity.
Crowded Markets and Festive Preparations
Designated markets of kite-flying material remained crowded as the citizens prepared for the celebrations. Mochi Gate, in particular, saw a lot of shoppers buy kites and strings of their liking.
The festive spirit got more exalted by a Basant float with traditional dhol beats, spreading more excitement among the visitors.
Government Involvement and Safety Measures
Senior Provincial Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb visited Mochi Gate to inspect the Basant arrangements, and urged the citizens to follow the safety SOPs while enjoying the festival. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also declared a Public Basant celebration in Liberty Chowk on February 7.
Additionally, a public holiday has also been announced throughout the entire province of Punjab on February 6 and 7 to give the citizens a full opportunity to participate in the celebrations.
The Punjab cabinet has allowed the production of kite-flying materials in Lahore and four other districts with elaborate security arrangements in place.
Weather and Kite-Flying Advisory
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted chilly and dry weather for February 6 and 7 which would be partly cloudy on February 8 in Lahore.
Winds are supposed to blow between 10 to 15 kilometres an hour which is perfect for kite flying.
Authorities have advised caution to the public to avoid electricity wires as they enjoy the festival.
Public Concerns
Despite the excitement, some of the citizens expressed their concerns about the high prices of kites and strings, and demanded the government to take some measures on making them affordable.
Markets are bustling with life, cultural celebrations and a strict set of safety precautions, Lahore is all set to pick up from where it left off with the Basant festivities and bring a sigh of colour and joyfulness to the city.
