IBQ aupports Basant Mela, Pakistan’s most celebrated tradition

In another initiative to support its community, IBQ will partner with the Pakistan Women’s Association (PWA) and TR Events to organize, for the first time in Doha, the festivities for the Basant Mela, Pakistan’s most celebrated cultural tradition. Sponsored by IBQ, the event is expected to attract over 7,000 visitors on March 1, 2012 at the Wakrah Stadium. 

Basant Mela will kick-off at 4.00 pm and wrap up a series of fun-filled activities for families by 12 midnight and will see in attendance HE Sarfraz Khanzada, Pakistani Ambassador to Qatar. 

George Nasra, Managing Director of IBQ said: “We’re extremely happy to take part in such festivities. Our sponsorship of the Basant Mela accentuates our commitment to reach out to the various walks of our community by spearheading or sponsoring activities and programmes that help bring people together in celebration of cultural education. IBQ’s support to the different expatriate segments in Qatar has been continuous with the bank sponsoring initiatives and events for Indian, Lebanese and now Pakistani and we look forward to extending such support to others.” 

Basant Mela is one of the biggest and most colorful events of the year; featuring live concerts and musicals by highly recognized artists and various areas dedicated for children’s games, shopping for jewellery and clothing, gastronomy and promotions. Basant Mela will host special magic performances, appearances of wellknown children’s cartoon characters and Punjabi Bhangra music throughout the day. 

In addition, the public will have the joy of participating in quiz competition for all ages with fabulous prizes throughout the festival.

Basant is a decades-old tradition of kite-flying festival in Pakistan. Basant festival brings the news of the advent of spring and takes place between February and March of every year. The festival is celebrated with full vivacity to mark the end of the winters. The whole of the Indian subcontinent celebrates this festival earmarked with the yellow color everywhere. The Indian subcontinent nations fly kites, wear yellow clothes, cook yellow rice with decoration and music throughout the streets.

Through these celebrations, the Basant festival will be introduced in Qatar for the first on a massive scale showcasing the Pakistani rich culture and heritage.