Lahoris await the 'Clash of the Titans'

Much like the rest of the Indian Sub-continent, Lahoris are bursting with adrenaline rush for ‘the’ clash between Pakistan and India. The South Asian arch-rivals will battle for a slot in the finals of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to meet Sri Lanka in Mumbai on April 02, 2011. What are Lahoris planning for the clash of the titans? Well, there is a mass-fever going on with projector screenings planned in public parks, open spaces, university campuses and even mohallas. Special arrangements are being done by corporates to entertain their employees with a company sponsored party. DHA Cinema and Cinestar both are selling over-priced tickets for the grand affair while all the happening eateries in Lahore including cafe’s, bistros, restaurants, hotels and even dhabas will play the match live from Mohali. Still, the majority of Lahoris will enjoy the match in comfortable confines of their homes with their close family and friends. Facebook and Twitter are already overloaded with over-optimistic, gladiatoristic rants and ‘naaras’ while the media on both sides of the border are buzzing in overdrive.

Whatever the consequence of tomorrow’s ultimate clash (or Thursday’s in case of rain) , the whole nation will stand united for one day at least. We do hope that Pakistan wins and beats ‘India’, yes, we do want to beat ‘India’ first and win the World Cup later. :)

Lahore celebrates Eid Milad un Nabi (PBUH)

February 16, 2011 marked 12 Rabi ul Awwal - the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); an occasion that is celebrated all across the Islamic World. The celebrations of the day include holding of mehfil-e-milaad at various locations across major cities and towns in Pakistan. Important landmarks and public buildings are decorated with buntings and lights while people distribute sweets to their neighbors, friends and family.

A beautifully decorated masjid on the Mall in Lahore

In Lahore, masjids and other important buildings were illuminated beautifully to celebrate the occasion and rallies were held to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s arrival in this world. Security was on high alert in order to avoid any untoward incident and the day passed happily and peacefully.

Massive fire around Walled City in Lahore

There has been a massive fire around Mochi Gate area of the Walled City in Lahore. Reportedly, it all started in a small perfumery shop and quickly spread to gut adjoining houses and a masjid in the compact locality. It is almost impossible for fire-engines to reach the affected area.

Mochi Gate fire viewed from a distance

Black clouds of smoke are engulfing the area

Locals are trying to put fire out using basic tools while a lone civil defense/Rescue 1122 helicopter is throwing water from above. The fire has been burning for quite a couple of hours and if not controlled, can spread to a vast residential area.

Birds fleeing Lahore

I came across this article in Dawn by Nuzhat Saadia Siddiqi on how once popular species of birds are becoming alien to Lahore. She writes,

"Not a very long time ago, the city of Lahore woke up to birdsong and chirping. These sounds, however, are being silenced by unchecked and unsustainable development and human settlement. So much so that now, as compared to the 240 bird species that were recorded in Lahore in a study conducted in 1965, only 101 bird species were recorded during a study conducted in 1992. Ornithologists estimate there are currently only 85 bird species left in Lahore, including resident and migrant species." Read full article here.

Blue Rock Pigeon and Common House Sparrow - Image Source: here

Sadly, she is right as there were many species of colorful birds and migrant creatures from Siberia that used to enrich bird watching in and around Lahore. All of these are becoming a rare sight due to unrestricted human development and unplanned urban expansion of the city's boundaries. As for every other aspect, environment is going through extensive degradation in Pakistan and urban built ups like Lahore and Karachi are the most affected areas. I hope someone in the right state of mind notices and guides the urban planners as well as officials that run this city in order to prevent further loss of nature around us.

There's a very comprehensive article on 'Birds of Lahore' by The Birdwatchers Club of Pakistan. You can learn more about the 'Birds of Lahore' here.

Mystic Misty Lahore!

View of Egerton Road - Aiwan-e-Iqbal, PTCL Tower and Holiday Inn in sight

Lahore went into a trance after receiving the first rain of the season. Almost all parts of the city experienced rainfall overnight resulting in a beautiful day all with cold breeze, mist and something mystic in the air...

The brilliant Pigeon Impossible!

Brainchild of the writer/director Lucas Martell, this amazing animation project took 5 years and more than 100 artists, experts and musicians to complete. The 6 minute clip has been screened at many international film festivals where it won various awards and honorary mentions.

Pigeon Impossible is the tale of Walter, a rookie agent who has to fight a hungry pigeon in the most unexpected circumstances to save his job and yes, the world from a nuclear threat! :)

Enjoy Pigeon Impossible and learn more about it by visiting pigeonimpossible.com!

Copenhagen Diary: Street Performer at Strøget (the Pedestrian Shopping Street))

While walking down the Strøget one night, I saw this person singing some catchy tunes on his guitar. Strøget is considered to be the oldest and the longest pedestrian shopping streets in the world. Walking through its arteries, you can have a flavor of the Danish taste in shopping and also find international styles in clothing, fashion, electronics, soveniers, accessories, toys, food and pretty much everything else. Not to forget a diverse crowd of nationalities from across the world roaming the lengths of Strøget at any time of the day or night.

One thing I would suggest for sure; never use the services of money changers located at the beginning of the street near Radhuspladsen. They seriously overcharge and do not give you a worthy rate for your foreign currency.

More on Strøget in Copenhagen Diary will follow soon.

Noori - Mein Kaun Hoon (Live at LUMS)