When did Basant Kite Festival begin?
In the early 1800’s, Maharaja Ranjit Singh (the founder of the Sikh Empire) and his queen Moran would dress in yellow and fly kites to mark the start of spring. This is why kites have become a yearly tradition as part of the Basant celebrations.
Why is Basant banned in Pakistan?
Basant in ‘Purana Pakistan’ Some would fly kites, while others would enjoy food. The Supreme Court of Pakistan imposed a ban on flying kites in 2005 to prevent the loss of lives caused by the chemical kite strings. These manja strings were slitting throats of two-wheeler drivers on the roads.
Why is Basant festival celebrated?
Basant Festival of Kites, also known as Basant Panchami, Vasant Panchami, Saraswati Puja or Shree Panchami, is a festival to celebrate the first day of spring. It is observed on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magha (late January to early February) by Hindus and Sikhs (Panchami means “fifth”).
Is Basant banned in Pakistan?
THE Punjab government has again renewed its ban on Basant, after a set of recommendations prepared by the police was sent to the chief minister. The former have proposed enhancing punishments for making, selling and flying kites, citing ongoing injuries or deaths related to kite-flying activities.
Can Muslims celebrate Basant?
Basant was banned because clerics hate the festival. They campaigned against it calling it a Hindu festival and a pagan ritual. The Muslims, they insisted, must be barred from it.
What is Basant flower?
Basant Panchami marks the beginning of Holi festivities in Brij Bhoomi and temples in Vrindavan are decorated with marigold flowers. The idols in the temples are also often adorned with yellow dresses to mark the arrival of spring.
How is Basant celebrated in Pakistan?
The people in Pakistan celebrate the Basant Kite Flying Festival with great pomp and show. The celebration takes place in the spring season. The beauty of the nature in the spring season adds to the festival it is a celebration of the starting of the season that is celebrated by flying colorful kites in the sky.
When was Basant banned in Pakistan?
Before the 2007 ban on kite-flying in the province of Punjab, the walled city of Lahore was known for the festival, due in early February. People from all walks of life made special arrangements on rooftops and donned yellow – the ultimate symbol of spring.
Is Basant still celebrated in Pakistan?
Punjab, Pakistan In North India, and in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Basant is considered to be a seasonal festival and is celebrated as a spring festival of kites. Despite the ban on flying kites, kite enthusiasts still continue to celebrate the festival.
Is Basant allowed in Pakistan 2021?
The Government of Punjab has retained the ban on Basant (Kite Flying Celebration) festival across the province. Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar also ordered stern action against kite makers, string makers, sellers and kite flyers.
Is Flying Kite Haram?
Yes! It’s one of the greatest sin in Islam. When you fly a kite, you actually cut through the air in the space because of the string of your kite.. Since air is a creation of God and cutting through it means you are cutting a creation of almighty.. Which is equivalent of killing it.
Is kite flying permissible in Islam?
“Kite flying is not permissive in Islam according to some religious elements,” said S.M. Masud, 70, an attorney who argued against the ban. “The government has used all tactics to stop it.”
What is the Punjabi festival of Basant?
It falls on Basant, also called Basant Panchami. According to the Punjabi calendar it is held on the fifth day of lunar month of Magha (in late January or early February) marking the start of spring. However, people also observe the celebration on other times during the Spring season.
Why do we celebrate Basant?
In North India, and in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Basant is considered to be a seasonal festival and is celebrated as a spring festival of kites. The festival marks the commencement of the spring season.
What are the traditions of the Basant in Lahore?
Other traditions of the Basant in Lahore included women swaying on swings and singing. The festival of Basant is celebrated across Malwa, Punjab where people organize gatherings to fly kites. In areas such as Firozpur, children generally fly kites to mark the auspicious occasion.
When is Basant Panchami celebrated in Pakistan?
While the date of Basant Panchami is set by a traditional Hindu calendar, the date of the Basant kite festival in Lahore, Pakistan until 2007 was determined by the authorities, always on a Sunday and usually at the end of February or the beginning of March.