Basant(Vasanta)in Pakistan

In the pre-partitioned Western Punjab, especially Lahore–locals celebrated the Basant festival by flying kites. Muslims of Punjab celebrated the Basant although it was considered as a local (non Islamic folk) festival. It was mainly Muslims that participated in kite flying as an event. At the time of partition in 1947, population of Lahore city was mostly Muslims (60%) and Hindus/sikhs (40%). By the end of September 1947, almost all the Hindus had left West Punjab/Lahore for India. Today people in Lahore take pride in Basant and fly kites from their rooftops with the same enthusiasm.

Being the historic capital of Punjab Basant is celebrated with as much vigour and enthusiasm as the ancient city of Lahore. Although traditionally it was a festival confined to the old-walled city it has spread all through out the city. Other cities in which Basant is mainly celebrated are Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Sialkot and Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

Vasanta is celebrated with great joy in Lahore:

A lot of rush at kite shops, especially in old Lahore as children and middle-aged men gathered to purchase their favorite colored kites and string. The festival was part of the city’s culture, adding that a number of special dishes were also prepared for the occasion. However, people would only be flying kites. Basant is the event of colors and lights,The dance of kites in lights  would be visible to everyone who would look up at the sky.

It was for many years officially backed by the government and sponsored by multinational corporations. Although Basant “travels” throughout Pakistani Punjab it is Lahore which made it popular not only in Pakistan but all over the world as the largest kite festival. Unfortunately there are accidents and even deaths during the festival each year because of the public’s ignorance towards the use of banned strings and also gunfire.