For over two decades, Lahore’s skies were silent. The colorful kites that used to dance in the wind were stuck to the ground. The streets that used to echo with the sound of dhol beat and laughter were left stagnant. The festival, Basant, which once again sprang the city to life, had become a part of the heart of the Punjabis of the city. They had forgotten that once the entire city had lived on the rooftops with colour.
But in 2026, something magical happened. The sky once again filled up with its brilliant shade of gold, and the kites were free to soar in the sky. Basant was back, and with it, the spirit of Lahore that no ban could ever silence. Two powerhouses of vision and commitment, OZ Group and Sialkot Stallionz, revived this age-old celebration in an endeavour to bring back the essence of Basant on the rooftops of Androon Lahore. After years of waiting, the joy of Basant returned at last, and it was bigger, brighter, and more beautiful than ever before.
This wasn’t just a festival; it was a reunion with the heart of Lahore, a celebration of culture, tradition, and the undying spirit of its people. None of this would have been possible but for the tireless efforts and leadership of Maryam Nawaz, whose support ensured that Basant found its wings once again.
Day 1: A Celebration of Roots, Unity, and Unforgettable Moments
The first day turned out to be nothing less than a spectacular meeting of friends, family, and history. The celebrations began with an undeniable warmth as Mr Hamza Majeed, the visionary of OZ Group, was at the side with the Governor of Punjab, Mr Sardar Saleem Haider Khan.
The air was full of anticipation as the Governor, in the company of Mr. Hamza, participated in the age-old tradition of kite flying, which is an ancient tradition of Basant, the season of unity, joy, and a sense of culture that binds a people. This was not an event; it was a celebration of the rich heritage of Lahore and its people.
A big thanks to Maryam Nawaz for having the vision and leadership to support this celebration. It was her support that brought Basant alive, and we could be united and experience the joy, the colours, the magic of this historic festival.
As the celebrations were underway, the blessings of Salim Ghauri, visionary Founder & CEO, NetSol Technologies, added a special charm to the celebrations. With his arrival, the air was charged with excitement, and he too succumbed to the spirit of Basant. Joining the kite-flying fun, Salim Ghauri did not merely look at the colourful scene; he became a part of it.
His involvement in the day’s events did not simply signify symbolic representation, but rather it was a beautiful example of how leaders can link themselves with the community, share common traditions, and build memories that go far beyond the moment. With a kite in his hand and a smile to match the colors in the sky, Salim Ghauri helped make the festival even more memorable to everyone who was present.
Day 2: Rising Higher, Soaring Beyond Limits
By Day 2, Basant Festival was more than a feast; it had become an experience, it had become what you feel in every beat of your heart, every flutter of a kite. The streets of Androon Lahore were alive, not only of people, but with an infectious energy, driving each and every person to rise higher, together.
Every corner was alive with the sight of the people, young, old, and everyone in between, gathering together under the same sky, letting go of their cares and just enjoying the beauty of being alive. The music, the laughter, the rhythm of dhols, everything was methylated in the colorful dance of the kites, filling the sky. OZ Group was leading from the front, where Mr. Hamza Majeed was bringing the whole family of the Sialkot Stallionz and everybody else to be present to make every moment memorable. Anchor Person Mian Imran Arshad shares a candid moment with Chairman Mr. Hamza Majeed and CEO Mr. Haroon Hanif at OZ Group’s vibrant Basant event.
It was not about flying just famous kites. It was about flying high as one, embracing the joy, culture, and vivacious spirit of Lahore. As the day progressed, Imran Kishwar, the dignified DIG of Lahore, arrived there to participate in the occasion, and with him the spirit of Punjab itself. The laughter became louder, the flying of the kites went higher and higher, and the Basant spirit seemed like it could never get over it.
Day 3: Where Tradition Meets Diplomacy in a Perfect Storm of Colors
Day 3, in which the magic of Basant found itself added to a touch of diplomacy. The US Consul General Lahore, Stetson Sanders, came, adding a unique and international flavour to the festivities. But despite being a global phenomenon, the centre of Basant was local as ever – the spirit of Lahore, the spirit of Basant, is universal.
Mr. Hamza Majeed gave Stetson Sanders a warm welcome like a long-lost friend, giving not only the day, but a part of Lahore’s soul. The kites danced higher like celebrating this union of cultures and traditions, and a moment. The skies above Androon Lahore, now completely brimming with joy, were one testament to how far this festival had come – not just as a festival of the season, but of the timeless ties that bind people together no matter where they come from.
As the sun fell on the horizon during this gorgeous festival, it was very clear: Basant was not just a celebration of the season; it was a celebration of life itself. A festivity of the cultures, colours & community, all coming together under the broad open skies of Lahore.
The Legacy of Basant: Soaring Higher Than Ever Before
As the last kite flew off into the horizon, the festival would be over, but the memory would live on. The magic of Basant 2026 wasn’t just in the sky soaring kites or the smile on the faces of people, but it was Basanta’s spirit of togetherness and warmth of the memories shared and the promise to keep the tradition alive.
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A final thanks to Maryam Nawaz for her involvement in bringing the festival back to life to make sure that this happy occasion was restored to its rightful place in Lahore’s cultural history. Her unconditional support made Basant 2026 a reality, and we will be celebrating this for years to come.
Thanks to the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, Lahore was once again a city in full color, a city that will remember these three days for years to come.
