Lahorites over the moon as festival of kite flying enters second day

There are smiles on people’s faces, men, women and children, and their happiness knows no bounds on the second day of Basant, a festival associated with kite flying, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

People are in a joyous mood and are expressing their excitement by dancing to loud music and drumbeat.

There have also been reports of people firing into the air to celebrate the downing of kites.

People flock to restaurants 

Apart from flying kites, the revelers also thronged eateries to munch on the food of their liking.

A huge rush of locals and overseas Pakistanis was witnessed at restaurants where people went for a breakfast.

People especially liked Halwa Puri, Siri Pae, Desi Murgh, Nan Chaney and Lassi.

Overseas Pakistanis, on the occasion, said that besides enjoying kite flying, they were also enjoying the cuisine of Lahore.

Mood at Liberty Chowk

Meanwhile, a large number of people gathered at Liberty Chowk early Saturday morning.

They said that Basant was the festival, which was celebrated by staying awake.

Free transport services being provided to celebrators has enhanced their happiness.

The festival, which had been banned in view of the loss of lives after people came into contact with kite string, has returned to Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, after 18 long years.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was the driving force behind the return of the festival.

The city has been decorated like a bride with kite billboards installed on major arteries and crossings like Liberty Chowk.

The supply of kites and string was exhausted by the flood of purchase orders.

In her message on social media, CM Maryam Nawaz cautioned the public that they should cherish the Basant Festival but with responsibility.

The long-awaited three-day Basant festival began in Lahore at midnight, with citizens rushing to rooftops across the Walled City, especially around Mochi Gate, to welcome the colorful celebration after years.

Chants of “Bo kata” echoed through the streets as kites filled the sky and young people learned kite stringing from their elders. Families gathered on rooftops, celebrating what many described as a festival that spreads love and affection across the city.

However, violations of the Basant code of conduct were also reported at the very start of the festivities. 

Incidents of aerial firing were reported in parts of the Walled City of Lahore, while unknown individuals opened fire as the celebrations began.

Fireworks were also set off at various locations despite restrictions.

As soon as the clock struck 12, citizens reached the rooftops near Mochi Gate and kite flying began in full swing.

A large number of Lahore residents thronged rooftops to witness the vibrant colors in the sky after a long gap.

Meanwhile, Basant celebrations were also organized in other parts of the city.

The participants thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for allowing the festival to resume, while some citizens claimed that government-issued SOPs were being followed.

Despite the festive mood, the early reports of aerial firing and fireworks raised concerns about adherence to the official Basant code of conduct as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Reporters: Junaid Riaz, Afshan Rizwan and Durre Nayab