Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha
The two Eids, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha commemorate the passing of the month of fasting, Ramadan, and the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Prophet Ishmael for Allah. During these days there are national holidays and many festivals and events take place to celebrate Eid.
Lahore Marathon
Official Poster to the Lahore Marathon, 2005. This elite event is part of an annual package of six international marathons being sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank across Asia, Africa and Middle East. The Lahore marathon race carries prize money of approximately US$ 100,000. More than 20,000 athletes both from Pakistan and all over the world come to Lahore to participate in this event. It was first held on January 30, 2005, and this year it was held on January 29, 2006. More than 22,000 people participated in the race this year. The third Lahore Marathon is scheduled to be held on January 14, 2007.
Basant
A swarm of kites are on sale on the streets of Lahore on the eve of the Basant festival. Basant is a Punjab festival that marks the coming of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are centred in Lahore and people from all over the country and abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite flying competitions take place all over the city's rooftops during Basant. Currently the kite flying has been drawn under restriction. Now it is considered the illegal phenomenon, thus there is complete ban on kite flying and further production of kites and its paraphernalia.
Independence Day
On August 14, every year all over Pakistan, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the British Raj for an independent state for Muslims. There are lots of celebrations in Lahore, the streets are full of joyful people singing and dancing. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers.
Mela Chiraghan
The Festival of Lamps or Mela Chiraghan is a very important and popular event. This is celebrated every Spring on the last Friday of March outside the Shalimar Gardens. During the Festival, people from all walks of life gather from all over the province to actively participate in the Festival.
National Horse and Cattle Show
One of the most famous annual festivals, the National Horse and Cattle Show is also held in Spring in the Fortress Stadium. During the week long activities, there is a display of the finest livestock, horse and camel dances, tent pegging, colourful folk dances from all regions of Pakistan, mass-band displays and tattoo shows in the evenings.
