Punjab awaits decision on resumption of Basant

LAHORE: The Revival of Safe Basant committee on Monday forwarded its recommendations to the Punjab government after which a decision on celebrating the colourful festival rests with provincial cabinet.

Basant, the annual celebrations of colours, music, festivities and kites, marks the arrival of spring season. Traditionally falling in late January or early February, the festival is predominantly celebrated in Punjab region of both Pakistan and India by people of all faiths.

Lahore - the city many regard as Pakistan's cultural hub - once attracted hundreds of tourists on the eve of Basant. People would celebrate the festival with much gusto making special dresses, preparing food for guests and held fairs.

But, then the charm vanished in the wake of excesses made by flying kites through metallic and chemical threads. Over the years, several lives have been lost to these deadly threads called ‘Dor or Manja’.

A ban was imposed on celebrating Basant in 2005 in view of growing incidents of throat and other limbs slitting of mainly commuters, and casualties due to aerial firing.

However, of late the provincial government formed an eight-member committee to present its recommendations on resumption of the festival.

The Revival of Safe Basant Committee hinted that if security arrangements are finalised then Basant would be celebrated in February next year. The committee has forwarded its recommendations to the provincial government after which the decision will now be made upon the return of the Punjab CM.

A spokesperson for the Punjab government said the matter will be discussed in the meeting of the provincial cabinet after the return of CM Shehbaz Sharif to country. “Whether to celebrate Basant or not depends upon approval by the cabinet,” he added.

People in Lahore say though the festival is vital to their identity, but the ban on it should be lifted after ensuring all safety measures.