A Bird’s Eye View of Lahore
A myraid articles have been put down revolving the bustling city of Lahore, the life in its alleys, and its cultural heritage, but what does it look like catching its sight from up there? As interesting as it may sound, it is indeed a fascinating view reflecting a history of years. It took ages as uncountable to make it what it is today, the smell of the air which lingers forever, unmatchable, nostalgic, and telling us tales of the ones long gone.
A short account of life as it throbs in this city which has a history of over a millennium is as below. Although the raw culture is no more, one still gets to experience some signs of it as were passed down, generation by generation, since the ur-times.
The first thing to mention would of course be the rooftops. These rooftops bustle with a life and essence of their own. Mostly occupied by women and children, they are the sights where a lot is told and known. When the menfolk leave to work, the children and women have the rooftops all to themselves. Women, of all ages, little girls to the elderly, can be seen engaged in different activities. The chaar pies, beds made of natural fiber and woods are aligned on the house tops. Some women sit on them, talking to their mates and neighbors. Some do the chatting while standing near the wall of the nearby houses. By this practice they get to know what are the latest happenings in the locality. Some women are seen teaching their children while they write on their notebooks. Mostly the boys are involved in kite flying however this too is reduced owing to its ban by the government. The old and worn out furniture and machines which are now out of order, find their place on the rooftops, which are now the childrens’ enjoyments. The activities but depend as which time of the year it is. During summers, the scorching heat won’t allow anyone to be on the house tops, but after the sun sets. In winters, however, is the vice versa. Roofs are occupied since the mornings for getting as much of the sunlight. Oranges are taken and along them the black salt, and are enjoyed.
Finally and above all, the historical monuments can be seen clearly and you can have a aerial view of them. These would include MAO college, the Shalamar Gardens, and Nasir Bagh. I personally love the fountains installed in Nasir Bagh and its red leaved trees, hinting you’re to get a glimpse of something simply majestic- The Government College. Its splendid Gothic Lady can be seen practically from every rooftop and overhead metro services. You can behold its oval grounds and the benches amid the grounds, some students soaking in sunshine while others strolling through the pathways. The yellow coloured flowers of the trees is a ravishing sight, indeed. There is a lot to say and still a lot will remain unsaid.
The old city remains
with somber grace, in parts,
though lone and withdrawn
Receding from the influx
of metal and machine
Yet holding its ground
as the last reminiscence of
an era that was.
Nosheen Irfan
