Lahore, Pakistan, is once again alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Basant kite festival, a cherished tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring. Returning after a 19-year hiatus, this lively event has filled the city’s rooftops with laughter and excitement, as families and friends gather to engage in the age-old pastime of kite flying. With the festival marking a significant cultural revival, many participants are experiencing this beloved event for the first time, while others are reacquainting themselves with a skill that has been absent from their lives for far too long.
The Resurgence of Tradition
As the sun sets over Lahore’s bustling streets, the air resonates with the sounds of drums and cheers, creating an atmosphere of joyous camaraderie. Families take to their rooftops, where colourful kites dance through the sky, showcasing a spectacle that has long been missed.
Abu Bakar Ahmad, a 25-year-old tech engineer, is among those eager to learn the art of kite flying. “It’s really difficult!” he admits, revealing that he has been guided by his cousin as they attempt to navigate the intricacies of the activity. “All our generations here are very excited; the elders know how to fly a kite, but we Gen-Zers don’t know.” For many younger participants, this festival serves as a bridge to their cultural heritage, connecting them with the traditions of their forebears.
The return of Basant, a festival that has roots stretching back centuries, has been met with enthusiasm from both locals and expatriates. Mina Sikander, who travelled from Miami, expressed her deep fondness for the event, stating, “I’m very fond of this festival; it was worth the journey!”
Safety Measures in Place
The revival comes after the festival was banned in 2007 due to safety concerns stemming from sharp kite strings, which had caused numerous injuries and fatalities. To mitigate risks, authorities have implemented stringent regulations. The event is now confined to a three-day celebration, and large kites have been prohibited to reduce the danger associated with stronger threads.
Motorcyclists are equipped with metal rods on their bikes to prevent threads from becoming entangled around their necks, a common hazard in the past. Additionally, the police have seized over 100,000 kites and 2,100 rolls of dangerous kite strings in the lead-up to the festival, ensuring that safety remains a priority.
Faisal Kamran, Deputy Inspector General of Lahore Police, has deployed drones and CCTV cameras to monitor the skies and rooftops, providing a comprehensive oversight of the festivities. “We have a good view just to keep a check on activities like if somebody is using that banned material or weapons,” he explained, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
The Economic Impact
The return of Basant is not merely a cultural affair; it also presents significant economic opportunities for the city. Yousaf Salahuddin, a longstanding supporter of the festival, noted its potential to boost local businesses. “There was a lot of revenue… and that revenue was going down to the poorest—the vendors on the street, the restaurants in the old city,” he elaborated. The festival’s revival is expected to bring in tourists, fill hotel rooms, and revive street vendors, creating a ripple effect that benefits various sectors of the local economy.
Despite the challenges posed by the festival’s notorious past, many in Lahore are hopeful that the new safety measures will allow Basant to flourish without compromising the joy it brings to the community. Observing the kites soaring through the sky, Yousaf reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “It’s always been a part of us, I don’t remember the city without kites.”
Why it Matters
The revival of Basant is a poignant reminder of the resilience of cultural traditions in the face of adversity. As Lahore’s citizens reconnect with their heritage, the festival represents not only a celebration of spring but also a unifying force for families and communities. It highlights the intricate balance between joy and safety, illustrating how cultural practices can be adapted to ensure the well-being of participants while preserving the essence of cherished traditions. The successful return of Basant could pave the way for other cultural events to be revitalised, fostering a renewed sense of community spirit and economic vitality across Pakistan.
