​With the advent of spring, the skies of Rawalpindi are resplendent with all types and sizes of kites. People of both Punjab's of Pakistan and India participate in kite-flying competitions to herald the spring. Basant Mela is not only a kite flying event but a cultural festival of traditional food, dresses, dances, and music in the sub-continent. Lahore had been the hub of this colorful festival in the past but due to some unfortunate incidents, the Punjab government had to put a ban on kite flying on the entire province. Despite being illegal, people in Rawalpindi celebrate this festival with full joy and passion.

Showcasing images of this lively festival from Rawalpindi, a famous city of Punjab.

Despite a ban on kite flying, the passion remains intact and people turn up heavily on the Basant day every year,

A boy wrapping up the thread used to fly a kite.

​A kite which has been cut down by another.

A kite knows as "Tukal" locally 

​A huge kite in the airs of Rawalpindi

Youngster carrying a kite to roof top. 

​Tukal

​"Pari" A kite with a tail