The National History Museum (NHM) celebrated the return of Basant through a curated series of interactive programs aimed at bridging the generational gap and reviving the nostalgia of Lahore’s most colorful festival.
The festivities commenced with a masterclass in kite-making led by Muhammad Usman – a local kite-maker. The workshop attracted a diverse audience, drawing enthusiastic participation from both the youth and the elderly. “It was truly refreshing. I came here with my daughter, and atmosphere immediately reminded me of my youth. I was excited to see my daughter learning this traditional art from experts,” a 40-year-old participant remarked.
Following the workshop, the museum hosted an interactive round table discussion – ‘Paich, Pinna, aur Yaadein.’ Moderated by museum’s Manager Aliza Khalid, the session featured a panel of veteran kite-fliers and custodians of the tradition, including Ustad Boora, Ustad Paul, Ustad Pappu Sain, Ustad Aqeel, Ustad Akif, Shahid Nadeem, and Sheikh Shakil.
The dialogue focused on the historical grandeur of the festival and its deep-rooted cultural significance. The panelists discussed the socioeconomic impact of the industry, highlighting the livelihoods once attached to the trade. For the younger generation, many of whom are set to witness the festivities for the first time, the session served as an educational platform.
The kiteflyers familiarized the young audience with the rules of the sport, the technical nuances of kite-flying, and the safety measures requisite for a responsible celebration. “Basant holds a special place in the cultural memory of Lahore, and it is important to familiarize today’s generation with the legacy, colors, and necessary precautions surrounding this festival,” Awais Malik, the museum director, said while speaking on the objective of the event.
The event resonated deeply with the youth in attendance. “I have very blurry memories of Basant, as I was a child when I first witnessed it. I was eager to learn more so that I can actively participate in the celebrations this year,” a young participant said. The candid conversation concluded with a reflection on the decline of such festivals and emphasized the necessity of reviving cultural traditions through careful planning and civic responsibility.
