Losing myself into architecture is my love language. I find peace in these marvels of history. We can not define ourselves without history. Past provides us lessons, and if we don't learn anything from the past, then it will continue to haunt us. It will repeat itself.
It is story time. Allow me to narrate everything. It was a special tour of Lahore. I have visited the historical places of Lahore many times. Many times, i visited them alone, sometimes with group friends, and only a few times with organized tours and trips. This time, on 8th June,2025, it was more special as my family and extended family were altogether visiting lahore on Eid's second day.
Eid days are full of colors and happiness. In my childhood, i used to dress up for Eid with utmost happiness. Back in those days, there was another level of excitement, but now my Eid days became more and more miserable than normal and mundane days.
Now i feel that why don't elders used to wear new dresses. They used to survive in a similar manner even on Eid days. Eid days are becoming gray days for me. I don't want to be seen among colors, now.
One strange thing about this particular trip was that every other place was filled with humans. Wherever I was running my eyesight, I was only seeing floods of people. Their were hundreds and thousands of people who came to tour on the second day of Eid.
From politically historic Minar-e-Pakistan to Old architectural marvel Badshahi Masjid - every popular place was getting closed.
My parents and family members were eager to pay a visit to these places. The presence of my father made this tour extra special. He can not walk for a long time. He is struggling with spinal cord issues. But, he made this trip just for the happiness of all members of family.
Only the Havalian area was jiggling with small and big lights, and it was full of life. Among all that chaos, my thoughts were disturbed. I was happy to see the smiles of my parents and siblings. I always want to see my family happy and with a smile. It's worth billions, and i earn life from their smiles.
The puppet show recalled all the memories that were rotting under the debris of urban life. The puppet show on the street reminded me of the lively, simple, and homely childhood i used to have. It reminded me of life when magician, puppet shows used to happen in my schools and in my village. I miss the circus time. Now, people are heavily engrossed in their mobile phones. Children and kids aren't aware that there is something like a puppet show. They prefer to cosume screen time and scroll sick-minded tik tok videos.
It's what we history calls -Hazuri Bagh. It's historically of great importance. When Maharajha Ranjit Singh captured Koh-i-noor (the diamond about which, it was famous that whosoever would be having this particular diamond would be ruler).
Maharaja Ranjit Singh won(actually captured) this diamond from Nadir Shah Durrani. In happiness of win, he built this particular architectural structure that is known as Hazuri Bagh.
Interestingly, that diamond is now set in the crown of British Queen.
In front of my eyes, it was Lahore Fort that was looking magnificent with its vast wooden door. We cracked so many jokes on Ali for this unpredictable tour.
See you another time, another memory.
