LONDON: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed his appreciation for Lahore’s iconic Basant festival, saying he was delighted to see people once again enjoying the traditional celebrations and flying kites across the city.
Speaking to Geo News in London, the mayor said he had watched coverage of Basant and was moved by the visible happiness of the participants.
“I saw Lahore Basant on Geo News, where people are very happy during Basant. I pray that Basant is always celebrated safely. It’s a good thing people flew kites again in Lahore,” he said.
Basant, which marks the arrival of spring, has historically been one of Lahore’s most vibrant cultural festivals. The city’s rooftops come alive with families and friends flying colourful kites, while streets and neighbourhoods resonate with music, food, and festivities.
In recent years, the event has faced restrictions and bans due to safety concerns, particularly related to dangerous kite strings and accidents. Emphasising this issue, Mayor Khan stressed that public safety must remain a top priority during such celebrations.
He added that cultural traditions like Basant play an important role in bringing communities together and spreading joy, and expressed hope that the festival would continue in a safe and responsible manner.
