As I walk under the pale blue sky today, the pre-spring breeze resounds with the distant clatters of a Basant from my childhood. A sadness settles in, as I realise it is a sound that will never ring in the ears of our new generation.

Basant, the annual spring celebrations of colour, music, festivities and of course kites, which once reflected the spirit of Lahore, today remains a pleasure denied owing to our own excesses.

 

Editorial: Basant ban

 

Whether it was crime and delinquency or an attempt to rebuff our cultural history, it has robbed us of our heritage, the youthful thrill and the joy of celebrating nature; besides depriving the city of tourism and seasonal business.

My recollections of Basant are purely of a family fiesta.

Relatives from distant places would wait for the announcement of Basant dates in order to schedule their visits accordingly.

The celebrations, that would begin a night before, usually included kite flying under the flood lights on the roof, bonfires, loud music accompanied by occasional bhangras subject to the results of warring kites entangled in the night sky above and the wonderful smell of BBQ.