Lahore’s Basant celebrations led to an extraordinary surge in food sales, with chicken consumption alone estimated at Rs10.75 billion over three days. The festival atmosphere, marked by kite flying and rooftop gatherings, translated into strong demand across the city’s food sector.
Families hosted parties while friends arranged barbecues, making chicken the main feature on most menus. Popular dishes included BBQ platters, karahi, biryani, and fried items. Meat markets reported continuous rush, especially in the evenings when social gatherings peaked.
Restaurant owners and caterers experienced a sharp rise in orders throughout the festive period. Many businesses extended their operating hours to manage the influx of customers. Delivery riders and kitchen staff worked late shifts as demand remained high from morning until midnight.
Traders described the sales volume as significantly higher than routine weekends. Some vendors stated that the three day celebration generated revenue comparable to several normal weeks combined. Wholesale suppliers also saw increased activity as retailers rushed to restock inventories.
Business representatives noted that cultural events like Basant create a ripple effect across the local economy. Beyond chicken vendors and restaurants, allied sectors such as spices, charcoal suppliers, soft drink distributors, and event decorators also benefited.
The figures highlight how traditional festivals continue to play a strong economic role in urban centers like Lahore, offering seasonal boosts to small businesses and food related enterprises.
