Jashn-i-Baharan: Spring festival brighten DHA residents’ day

Prizes distributed among Special Olympics medallists.

LAHORE: Over 1,000 people attended the spring festival at the Defence Housing Authority on Sunday.

The event was held at J Park in Phase 5 amidst. Major entrances leading to the park were blocked to ensure proper security. A walk-through gate was installed at one of the entrances leading to the park.

An army band performed during the event.

A puppet show was organised for children. Here, children were taught personal and public hygiene.

Hundreds of children played at the jumping castle located in another corner of the park.

There was a flower arrangements, as part of a competition.

Stalls by various organisations, including the Rising Sun Institute and the DHA Education System, were set up. Tribal Truck Art’s colourful stall located right at the entrance displayed articles painted in the traditional truck art-style.

Huddled in a corner listening to running commentary on the on-going World Cup T20 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Muhammad Amin said he came from Karachi to display his truck art.

From plates, mugs, miniature trucks and rickshaws to helmets, the stall displayed articles ranging from Rs5000 to Rs1000, all of which had been hand painted.

Talking to The Express Tribune, DHA public relations officer Ejaz Masood Hayat said over the years, the flower competition received a positive response from the residents.

“The Jashn-i-Baharan celebrations are part of spring festivities being celebrated across the city,” he said.

He said the event was traditionally organised on March 23 but was delayed this year owing to several activities being held in the city on the day. “This year, the Jashn e Baharan celebrations included a flower display competition and prizes will be distributed among outstanding achievers at the DHA Education System and those who represented Pakistan at the Special Olympic Games,” he said.

Special Olympic Pakistan’s sports in-charge and coach for the Punjab team Zahid Nawaz said that of 57 members who had represented Pakistan in the Olympics, 51 had won medals.

He was speaking to The Express Tribune about Olympics which held in Australia in 2013.

Nawaz said the performance of the athletes had improved consistently over the years.

He said though the winners were awarded at the event, there had been no recognition of their achievements by the Pakistani government.

“These children need encouragement,” he said. “It is very important that the society appreciates their efforts and acknowledges it.”

DHA resident and chief guest at the Jashn e Baharan Justice (r) Bashir A Mujahid addressed the prize distribution ceremony.

He said spring was a season of colour, joy and festivity. He said through such events, the DHA administrations and its residents were promoting green living and hoped similar events would inspire others in the city to follow suit.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2014.