Tradions Of Pakistan: Basant, a lahorian specially
In Punjab, kite flying is a rooftop sport. The rooftops of inner cities turn into virtual arenas of kite flying competitions on Basant. In Rajasthan and Gujarat kite flying gathers a frenzied momentum on January 13, also celebrated as Makar Sankrant – the day the sun changes direction and starts to move towards the northern hemisphere. In Lahore it is a 48-hour spectacle – it pioneered night kite flying – using strong beams and white kites. Little wonder that Lahore is the official kite flying capital of Pakistan. It is where Basant is celebrated with unmatched passion and zeal. It is a sort of Octoberfest, a local Mardi Gras or the Rio Carnival minus the revealing dresses. The streets, parks and the roof tops especially are filled with cries and cheers of “Bo Kata” or Kite down, followed by drums rolls.
Kites filled the sky and yellow colour ran riot on the streets of Lahore as Pakistan’s second largest city celebrated “Basant”, the spring festival.With the advent of Spring, skies of Lahore are resplendent with all types of sizes of kites. The entire population participates in kite-flying matches to herald the coming of Spring.How about enjoying traditional Lahori style kite-flying, right in the heart of the Old City! The zooming kites leaving colorful marks in the darkening sky taken over by brilliant white “guddis” that are especially made for night kite-flying that is the eve of Basant.
The Festival of Basant (Sanskrit for Spring) was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across Punjab and the rest of Pakistan in early February. Lahore formed the centre of celebrations with the entire city coming out to celebrate this joyous occasion. Basant is a popular and ancient festival and kite flying is an important activity associated with Basant.Kite flying from rooftops and in public parks and feasting are the main activities of the Lahoris on the occasion.
Girls attired in the seasonal yellow join in the festivity yesterday, a rare sight in the otherwise strictly segregated society.Contests in which kite fliers try to snap the kite of the rival high above, began overnight with search-lights chasing the kites.
Every success was celebrated with the Bhangra dance and beating of drums, followed by a feast. Automatic weapons used to be fired also on the occasion but the military Government banned the terrifying practice two years ago.
On the streets children chase the falling kite and its snapped string, posing a hazard to motorists.
http://www.lahoria.com/site/html/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=319