LAHORE, Feb 15: Lahorites and their guests from other parts of the country and abroad bade farewell to the annual day-and-night Basant festival on Sunday evening with feverish last-minute kite-flying, fireworks and occasional firing in the air.

Dances to the beats of drums and popular songs played at blaring stereos were another gesture to enjoy the annual festival amid shouts of "bo kata." Wind was strong and conducive to kite flying throughout the festival, allowing sport buffs to enjoy every moment of it.

Firing was relatively controlled and so was the use of nylon string or metal wire. But occasional reports of gunfire and kites flown with metal wire were enough to intimidate the general public mindful of their hazards.

The rush of people at the rooftops of houses, public and private buildings and hotels spilled over to the roads in the evening. Women, who had worn mustard dresses and bangles, also enjoyed the day.

The supply of traditional food, Kashmiri tea and fruits continued uninterrupted. Keeping the traditions alive, a large number of people from other cities and abroad also celebrated Basant. They stayed at the city's hotels, rest houses and at the residences of friends and relatives.

Basant was observed at three levels -- common, official and corporate. At the common level people flew kites at their rooftops and entertained their small number of guests.

Civil and military officers observed Basant by attending parties thrown by different companies and organizations whereas the corporate level involved lavish parties attended by the rich and elite offering sumptuous several course dinners and lunches, kites, twine and music.

The have-nots took part in the event by catching stray kites on the city roads ignoring the risks to their lives. Numerous people were seen walking towards homes with the catch on Sunday evening.

At all the known hotels the guests were served lavish food and provided with free kites and twine. Different national and multi-national companies had arranged Basant functions at the rooftops of business centres and offices.

The major functions were held at Kashmiri Gate's Haveli Asif Jah, the Lahore Fort, Delhi Gate's Shahi Hamam, Rang Mehal's Parking Plaza, Masti Gate's Haveli of Mian Yousaf Salahuddin and Mori Gate's Victoria School (Haveli Naunehal Singh).

PPP Senator Aitzaz Ahsan's residence was the venue of another big Basant function, which was attended by parliamentarians and diplomats posted in Islamabad.

Senate chairman Mohammadmian Soomro was the chief guest at the function at Haveli Asif Jah, which was organized by the Parks and Horticulture Authority in collaboration with a multi-national beverages company.

Indian Cricket Board's three-member team, which had recently arrived here to inspect security measures, saw Basant from the rooftop of a five-star hotel on The Mall. Indian Rajiya Sabha's Deputy Chairperson Najma Haibatullah and journalist Kuldip Nayyar were also in Lahore.