LAHORE: Ajoka Theatre’s acclaimed play Lo Phir Basant Ayee was performed before a jam-packed audience at the Alhamra as audiences celebrated the return of Lahore’s vibrant Basant festival.

This was a special performance, held in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council, to welcome the unbanning of the kite flying festival. Written by eminent playwright Shahid Nadeem, the play beautifully showcased Punjab’s rich culture, filling the evening with colour, joy, and timeless cultural traditions.

Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Nawaz Gondal was the chief guest. The performance was attended by veteran actors Khalid Abbas Dar, Khalid Mueen Butt, writer and scholar Feryal Ali Gauhar, Third World Solidarity UK Founder Mushtaq Lashari and senior drama teacher Ms Perin Boga. Head of the Pakistan kite-flyers Association, Aqeel Malik, was also among the guests.

Earlier in the day, Ajoka held a kite-making and kite decoration workshop in Hall 2 foyer area where young participants made kites and then decorated them under the guidance of kite master Ustad Moazzam and artist Eish Tur Razia. The colourful kites were then displayed in Hall 2 of Alhamra. Lahore Arts Council chairperson, accompanied by Executive Director Nawaz Gondal, inaugurated the workshop and appreciated the creativity of young participants. Arts students of Alhamra Performing Arts Academy also joined the workshop and painted beautiful kites.

Shahid Nadeem, writer of the play and Ajoka’s Executive Director, remarked, “Basant is about joy, community, and togetherness. Through ‘Lo Phir Basant Ayee’ and the kite-making workshop, we have tried to revive the spirit of Lahore’s culture and bring people together.”

Following the successful performance at Alhamra, Ajoka will present two more shows of the play at the Government College University (GCU) Lahore on February 1 and 2, giving audiences another opportunity to experience this colourful cultural celebration.

Originally premiered and directed by Ajoka’s founding director Madeeha Gauhar (late) in 2014, Lo Phir Basant Ayee brings to life the sights, sounds, and spirit of Lahore during Basant. The play follows a passionate kite-maker whose dream of filling Lahore’s skies with vibrant kites becomes a celebration of hope, community, and cultural pride. With its mix of heartfelt storytelling, lively humor, and reflection on tradition, the production captures the joy, resilience, and togetherness that define the festival.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2026