RIYADH — Thousands, mainly Pakistanis, Asians, Western and Saudi families enjoyed the traditional Pakistani Basant Kite Flying Festival arranged by RQ productions at Dar Al Sahil Park here.

Basant festival is a traditional Punjabi event that marks the advent of the spring season with kite flying a joyful part of the festival. This is the 6th consecutive Basant Kite Flying Festival arranged by the RQ productions here. The event saw lots of other fun filled activities for all age groups including entertainment, games, quizzes and variety of food stalls.

The formal ceremony and the stage activities were jointly hosted by Omair Sheikh and RJ Fawad. A special lucky draw (return ticket to Pakistan by Air Blue) was held and awarded to one lucky winner. There were several other lucky draws and gift hampers were awarded and distributed among the winners.

Pakistani Political Attaché Sardar Muhammad Khattak was the chief guest. Other special guests including group captain Arshad Mukhtar Khan, Cyma Azyz, First Secretary Omar Manzoor Malik, Saudi TV presenter Nihad Aziz, Saudi TV anchor Suliman Al Zehaifi and Waqar Naseem Wamiq.

Khattak, in his address, said, “He is happy to attend this colorful event and believes that these kind of events should happen in Saudi Arabia that can help the international community, especially the Saudi community, to know about our cultural and traditional diversity. He also thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for facilitating the expatriate communities in various different ways.”

Group Captain Arshad Mukhtar Khan congratulated the organizers and said, “It’s a very good effort by the organizers to gather such a huge crowd at one place to celebrate and enjoy the wonderful event.”

Saudi mediaperson Cyma Azyz was very jubilant on attending the festival and said, “It’s her first ever experience of kite flying and she enjoyed the festival, especially as it is so amazing to see the colorful kites.” She said she is looking forward to attend more events by the Pakistani community.

Wamiq remarked the Basant festival is one of the most successful event organized by the RQ productions and added, “This festival has showcased one of the beauties of our colorful Pakistani culture. I am hopeful about the restoration of Basant in Pakistan and once again we will be able to enjoy the colors and happiness of Basant.”

Raheel Qureshi, director of RQ productions thanked all visitors to the festival and said, “I am happy on the successful outcome of the event and I am so thankful to all for attending. This is our 6th consecutive Basant Festival, and our next upcoming mega event is the international food festival next month here.” — SG