Interview with Zeeshan Bukhari

Lahore:(Race Course) An interview with the Section Officer PHA, Zeeshan Bukhari about the spring festival

Ø  Briefly describe about the spring festival race course Lahore?

Every year, PHA and government of Punjab organized “Jashan-e-Bahara” festival in Lahore sponsored by Pepsi. It is celebrated every year in March. Different kind of stalls set up by common people and hired by PHA. This festival inaugurated by MNA Hamza Shehbaz Sharif.

Ø  What is the role of PHA in Lahore?

Pakistan Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore organized different events like Jashan-e-Bahara and play vital role in looking after plantation and greenery of the city.

Ø  What are the timings of the festival?

The timings of the festival are 3:00pm-11:00pm. Attendance is bit low at day but crowd thickens after 6pm.

Ø  What kind of activities and competitions are taking place rather than stall exhibitions in   this festival?

In this festival cat show, dog show, painting competition, plantation in the memory of Peshawar victims, fireworks are arranged rather than stall and exhibitions.

Ø  What is the significance of this festival in socio-cultural perspective?

It is important for young generation and local masses. He said, According to Aristotle, “A person cries and smiles to express its feelings.” So, that’s why held these festivals to show up our norms and values. Earlier, Basant festival was celebrated all over the Pakistan to rejoice. Since, it has been banned so these kinds of festivals are necessary and work as an alternative source of entertainment.

Ø  According to you, specialty of the festival?

Hunza handicrafts, Handmade jewelry ceramics, Rug work, Dari sheets, blue pottery Multan, handmade bags, printing shirts and mugs, beautiful houses, ships and farmers made up of bamboo, Antique jewelry, Kugu Khoray Multan, Painted crockery, Organic honey, Vegetable and fruit choppers and sindhi dresses, sheets and cats are the specialities of the festival.

Ø  How does it effect on people’s life?

Now a days, media is trying to highlight negative and violent issues all the time, that creates frustration and vulnerable behaviors among young generation. Our nation is victim of unemployment, terrorism, instability of economy and peace. In these circumstances, festivals are source to provide relief and make them forget their worries shortly.