Lahore Safari Zoo has been adorned with colourful kites and decorations as the Punjab Wildlife Department prepares to host a three-day Basant Festival, reviving the traditional celebration after 25 years.
Organisers plan to fly giant kites measuring up to 30 feet, alongside a range of entertainment including puppet shows, Wild on Beat performances, music concerts, magic shows, and special parades for visitors.
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Tickets for the festival have been set at Rs2,000 per day, with different coloured tickets printed for each day. A private company has been tasked with managing the three-day festivities and ensuring smooth operations.
Festival activities will run daily from 12 noon to 2am, with two shows each of music, puppetry, Wild on Beat, and magic. Traditional food stalls will be set up for visitors throughout the event.
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Kites and kite strings will be available for purchase at the venue, though guests may also bring government-approved items. Open grounds and parking areas have been designated for kite flying, while animal enclosures will remain closed.
Special 30-foot-long kites imported from China will be flown, accompanied by the release of around 2,000 lamps into the sky each evening. Renowned singers from across the country will perform, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Visitors welcomed the chance to celebrate Basant in the open environment of Safari Park, saying it is safer and more enjoyable than congested city areas. Strict security measures will ensure public safety and protect the animals during the festival.