Showbiz personalities and foreign diplomats joined the Basant celebrations in Lahore, adding more colour and vibrancy to the festivities.

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker took part in the festivities and arrived at the venue at the historic Delhi Gate, wearing a yellow outfit in keeping with the spirit of Basant.

She was received by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, while Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister Sohaib Bharath were also present.

Members of the US diplomatic mission, including Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark, Consul General Stetson Sanders, Sadaf Saad and other officers, attended the celebrations.

The visiting delegation was treated to traditional Lahori cuisine.

Speaking on the occasion, Natalie Baker thanked the Punjab government for the arrangements made for the Basant celebrations.

Prominent figures from Pakistan’s entertainment industry also arrived in Lahore from Karachi and abroad to celebrate the occasion.

Actors Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Adeel, Mohib Mirza, Juggun Kazim, Ali Zargoon, Faryal Khan, Gohar Rasheed, and Aamna joined the festivities in Lahore.

Several artists praised the revival of the Basant festival and expressed admiration for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Actors Adeel and Aamna described themselves as fans of the Punjab chief minister, with Adeel crediting Maryam Nawaz for the return of Basant and claiming the festival generated an estimated Rs350 million in revenue.

Mikaal Zulfiqar said Lahore had “woken up once again in its beautiful colours,” while Yasir Hussain thanked Information Minister Azma Bokhari for organising the event, calling Lahore “truly the city of lively-hearted people.”

Marriyum Aurangzeb introduced the delegation to traditional kite flying and briefed them on the decorations and arrangements made for Basant.

The US delegation praised Lahore’s food, culture, heritage, and hospitality.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said cultural activities were an effective means of bringing nations closer together and that Pakistan conveyed messages of friendship and peace through its culture.

She added that festivals like Basant highlight Pakistan’s positive and peaceful identity.

She said informal interactions during such events help build mutual trust and strengthen bilateral relations, adding that Pakistan remains connected to the world through its culture, hospitality, and message of peace.