As winter slowly fades and blossoms take their place, Lahore transforms into a vibrant canvas of colours, traditions, and joy. Spring in the city isn’t just a change of season—it’s a celebration. And nowhere is this spirit more alive than in the city’s many melas, spring festivals, and Urs of revered Sufi saints that bring together people from all walks of life.
A Season That Belongs to Lahore
There’s something magical about Lahore in the spring. The city’s gardens bloom, the evenings grow lighter, and the air hums with anticipation. From the iconic Jashn-e-Baharan to centuries-old spiritual gatherings, spring becomes the ultimate celebration of culture, community, and devotion.
Jashn-e-Baharan: The Crown Jewel
The Jashn-e-Baharan Festival is Lahore’s flagship spring event, drawing crowds from across the country. Held annually in Greater Iqbal Park, Racecourse Park, and other green spaces, the festival features:
- Flower exhibitions with breathtaking displays
- Folk music performances and qawwali nights
- Local craft stalls showcasing Punjab’s heritage
- Traditional games, kids’ activities, and puppet shows
- Food bazaars serving everything from chaat to BBQ
Jashn-e-Baharan also acts as a tribute to Lahore’s cultural roots, often including storytelling sessions, dhol competitions, and art corners that showcase the region’s history and traditions.
The Urs Melas: Spiritual Fairs That Transcend Time
Spring also marks the annual Urs (death anniversaries) of some of Lahore’s most revered Sufi saints—transforming their shrines into spiritual sanctuaries full of life, colour, and devotion.
Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh (Ali Hujwiri, 18th to 20th Safar)
Held at the iconic Data Darbar, this Urs is one of the largest spiritual gatherings in South Asia. It features:
- Qawwali mehfils attended by thousands
- Langar (free meals) served day and night
- Chadar poshi and devotional rituals
- A sprawling mela outside the shrine with food, toys, and traditional sweets
Urs of Mian Mir Sahib (7th and 8th Rabi-ul-Awal)
At Mian Mir’s shrine near Dharampura, the Urs unfolds in an atmosphere of serenity and spirituality with:
- Qawwalis, prayers, and Sufi poetry
- Small devotional gatherings in a peaceful setting
Urs of Shah Jamal (3rd to 5th Rabi-ul-Sani)
The Shah Jamal shrine becomes a hub of cultural and spiritual fusion with:
- Dhol and dhamal sessions
- Night-long qawwalis that attract youth and spiritual seekers alike
These Urs events are not just religious occasions—they are deeply embedded in Lahore’s cultural fabric and serve as annual reminders of tolerance, unity, and love.
Local Melas: Culture at Your Doorstep
Apart from the large-scale festivals, many neighbourhoods across Lahore host community melas, blending rural traditions with urban leisure. In places like Model Town Park, Jilani Park, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal, you’ll find:
- Camel rides, puppet shows, and street performers
- Stalls selling bangles, handmade crafts, and snacks
- Folk dance performances and dhol beats
- A relaxed family vibe perfect for weekend outings
These events foster a sense of togetherness and allow Lahoris to enjoy their city in full bloom.
Spring Shopping Festivals
Spring in Lahore also kicks off a season of shopping and fashion festivals. From open-air markets in Liberty and Anarkali to glitzy mall events at Emporium and Packages Mall, the city turns into a retail wonderland. Many events feature:
- Seasonal sales and fashion launches
- Live music, street food pop-ups, and giveaways
- Cultural exhibits and brand activations
Whether you’re in it for the bargains or the buzz, there’s always something new to explore.
The Takeaway: A Celebration of Soul and Spirit
Spring in Lahore isn’t just about flowers and festivals—it’s a multi-layered celebration of life. It’s a season where melas, music, and mysticism come together to tell the story of a city that holds its culture close and its people even closer.
Whether you’re enjoying a street-side chaat, swaying to a dhol beat, or standing in silent prayer at a centuries-old shrine, one thing’s for sure: spring in Lahore is a time to reconnect—with your roots, your city, and your soul.
