How Basant became Lahore’s signature festival in Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan – As the clock struck midnight between Thursday and Friday, Lahore’s sky erupted in fireworks as the crowds that gathered along one of the city’s main avenues cheered in jubilation.

Amid the commotion, Aamer Iqbal, a 50-year-old banker, took a deep breath and asked his daughter to let go of the kite she was helping to launch. It was the first time in nearly two ...