South Asian expats relive memories of kite-cutting in desert celebration

Hundreds of cars lined up as colourful kites soared in the sky and groups of people gathered under tents.

- SM Ayaz Zakir

With just a thread in hand tied to their kite up in the sky, residents came together to celebrate Basant, a vibrant harvest festival deeply rooted in South Asian traditions.

Underneath the open skies, kites of all shapes and sizes with lively hues took flight, transforming the atmosphere into a colourful spectacle of joy and competition.

"Basant is widely celebrated in India and Pakistan to mark the harvest season. It is a time of joy, togetherness, and friendly competition as people gather to fly kites,” said Ali Hassan, business development manager at Al Ghurair Exchange, which organised the event.