Basant marks the end of freezing winter and the beginning of spring. People celebrate the festival every year around February 15th all over the Indian subcontinent and Punjab, especially in Lahore.

Everyone – boys and girls, the old and the young- all enjoy flying kites on Basant, and gathering with friends and family for special meals. People wear colorful holiday clothes and play loud, festive music.

Millions of kites of dazzling colors and shapes fill the sky, as people shoot firecrackers and guns to celebrate.

Colorful nighttime lights animate the city during Basant, and film and television stars make appearances throughout the cities. Singers hold Basant shows in various places, and the performances get aired later on television. Everyone comes together to enjoy Basant and make this one of the most-awaited festivals!

ORIGIN OF BASANT

Most scholars believe Basant originated in India. When the fields turn mustard yellow, Hindus hold a spring festival called Basant Panchami out of reverence for Goddess Saraswati.

In India, Punjabis especially celebrate Basant. The festival heralds the season for farmers to cut crops. They dance to drumbeats and wear yellow dresses as yellow flowers bloom.

However, researchers also trace Basant’s origin to Buddhist monks who used to wear yellow robes and fly yellow kites. They considered yellow a contemplative color.

COLORS OF BASANT

The color of Basant is definitely yellow! Yellow depicts the blossoming spring flowers in the fields. Other bright colors, such as mustard, orange and shades close to yellow are also associated with Basant. People wear these colors and fly kites dyed shades of yellow, orange, and mustard.

KITE FLYING

Whenever we think of Basant, we think of kite flying. This sport helps keep Basant popular in Pakistan.

Nowadays, people fly kites even at night in carnival-like events. Searchlights illuminate kite competitions while drums beat and bugles blare, and people enjoy special holiday food. People of all ages fly kites and watch experts compete.