The Basant Kite Festival of Punjab has been a historic springtime kite flying event for centuries in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. However, in recent years, there has been a ban on kite flying in Punjab due to use of dangerous, life-threatening substances in the strings, as well as many accidents.

The Basant Festival was held in Quetta this weekend and was so honestly breathtaking. The word ‘Bokaata’ from a famous song by Fariha Parvez was sung in the streets and heard everywhere during the festival.

Yesterday, it was Basant in Quetta. I was in Shantinagar and saw kids on rooftops, kati patangain, kite fights followed by cheers of “bokaata”, and so much energy.
Reminded me of my childhood basants in inner city of Lahore. pic.twitter.com/OMsC1mqOth

— Faran Rafi (@faranrafi) February 17, 2018

In Shantinagar children were seen on rooftops flying kites with energy.

The streets were streaked with different colors as children gathered to celebrate the Spring Festival.

These pictures will definitely make you miss how Basant used to be celebrated back in the day.

Apart from that, the citizens of Karachi celebrated Basant with the second annual kite festival in DHA.

Even though Basant is banned, this kite festival was to get children out of the house and remind them of cultural traditions.

There was also a Basant Festival arranged on the rooftop of the Quetta Press Club (QPC) that was attended by many journalists from the city.

Adults of all ages took part of the fun holiday!

Follow Faran Rafi on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with his latest pictures.

What did you guys think about Basant in Quetta?

cover image source: Faran Rafi