Lahore: A chaotic city
The shrill noises of horns and honks of rickshaws, cars, qingques, and vans bang in my ears. The horse and donkey carts clamped loudly, rushing on the sidewalks. The vehicles were jammed into each other. A thin blanket of smog hung in the atmosphere. The distant jingling of railway station’s bells could be faintly heard. The loud cries of fruit vendors in thick Punjabi accents echoed in the air. The murky waters of canals glistened in the scorching heat of the summer sun. The foul smell of metal mingled with sweat and smoke from vehicles, permeated everything. A sense of helpless gnawing ignited inside me. This was madness. This was an utter fiasco. This was Lahore.
The majestic, white Minar-e-Pakistan loomed over my head. Its lush green gardens enhanced its beauty. The grass was soft under my bare feet. The fresh smell of earth and leaves lingered in the air. Tourists were roaming around marveling at this dazzling historical monument. It was a living reminder of the sacrifices Lahories gave for our beloved country. Its presence radiated grief, hope, and gratitude. The city changed and transformed every day around it but somehow time seemed to halt here. It stayed the same that even Lahore’s pollution could not taint its sleek, white stone.
Two kilometers to the north of Minar-e-Pakistan is located the magnificent Badshahi Masjid inside the walled city. The pristine beauty of its three white domes astounds the viewer. The entire mosque is built from red sandstone, a quintessence of Mughal architecture. The mesmerizing façade is covered in intricate floral carvings and verses from the Quran. The vast courtyard can facilitate up to sixty thousand people, four tall minarets are built on its four corners. A splendid rectangular fountain of white marble is built in its center. The interior of the mosque is covered in elaborate frescos and Persian-styled tiles. Huge, glorious glass chandeliers hang from the beautiful red ceiling. Every surface including pillars, ceilings, and walls is covered with dazzling traditional, floriated patterns. Badshahi Masjid offers a breath-taking view at night, when golden light rays dance across its red surface, giving it an ethereal glow. It is buzzing with activity on special occasions like Fridays and Eids but on quiet days it feels so serene to be there like it’s an oasis amidst a frantic and chaotic city.
Lahore is popular for its traditional food. Lassi and parathas at a roadside restaurant is a common breakfast. People often go to the famous food street after a visit to Badshahi Masjid to chat and relax. Food Street is always busy delicious smell of spicy chicken karahi mingled with barbeque wafts in the air. It always feels good to sit on comfy chairs under an umbrella and watch the vibrantly colored restaurants. All the restaurants are traditionally decorated with wooden doors, marble floors, colorful mosaics, and bright walls. The lively neon signs often indicate the name of a restaurant. Many people eat there on the roof of the restaurant and enjoy the amazing view of Badshahi Masjid.
Lahore is the cultural hub of Pakistan with rich culture and a lively atmosphere. It is a melting pot where people of different cultures and religions abide together in symphony. Therefore, its beauty is its diversity which can never be captured in words. One has to truly go there to experience its sensational wonders and the beautiful arrays of marvels it offers.
