Essence of Lahore!

9th September, 2015.

One day we were asked by our instructors about what it is that makes Lahore. I could not come up with an answer because for me there is no absolute answer, there are so many small things that give it the essence that is Lahore – from its tall and classical buildings to its food, its streets to its smell, and even its people.

Quaid-e-Azam Library located in the Jinnah Gardens. Also known as Lawrence Gardens.

People waving the Pakistani Flag above their car.

When it rains, Lahore takes the shape of a majestic landscape, a beautiful girl (which reminds me of another image which can be associated with Lahore – the city of Gardens – Shalimar Gardens, Jinnah Gardens or Lawrence Gardens and others) and so on. Lahore with everything that makes it Lahore is simply beatified, adorned with jewels and everything that gives it the image of a beautiful blushing bride – a bride so beautiful that everyone envies her.  The people of Lahore and the tourists are like the little kids enamored by the presence of the blushing bride. They are so taken in and captivated by it that they are often heard saying ‘jinne Lahore nai wekha unne kuch nai wekha’ (Whoever has not seen Lahore, has seen nothing), or ‘Lahore, Lahore ae’ (Lahore is, Lahore); and though Lahore today has changed drastically through the years (since the conception of Pakistan in fact) that it does not seem the same yet somehow despite losing most of its charm it has been able to retain some still.

That brings me to the point where we can discuss the sound of Lahore. Is there any particular sound that defines Lahore? In my opinion, there is NOT. Lahore is not Lahore without the various sounds that can be heard in the everyday life of a Lahori. For instance, the random noise on the streets – from traffic, street vendors, beggars to the sirens; the music – folk music to desert music to classical and pop music; the sound of the call of Azan (five times a day).

Take away even one of these sounds and Lahore will cease to encompass the magic within it.

Like Dr. Hughes in one of American Theater’s classes said, ‘Lahore is like the New York of Pakistan’. Take away one of these elements and Lahore will cease to be the Desi New York.

Lahore is also known for its food. The most important food hub is the food street Anarkali (the name of Prince Saleem’s wife) Bazar near Shahi Qila (The Lahore Fort). The Taka-Tak (it’s a meat dish), Biryani (can be chicken, mutton, or even vegetable), Nihari, Haleem, Halwa Poori, Gajar ka Halwa, Siri Paye (it is basically a dish made with the head and legs of a goat or cow) are just but some of the most famous food dishes appreciated by the people of Lahore. If there ever is a foodie in Pakistan, they can be found in Lahore, most specially in the food street. These foods are not only known for their incredible taste and great presentation but, also for their (often) intoxicating aroma.

Chicken Biryani

Siri Paye (Stew of Goat's Head and Legs)

All that we learnt in this session as well as in the previous sessions, together reminded me why theater (as we discussed in the second or third session), is important for our daily lives, it also reminded me of my love for Lahore. Like one of my fellow colleagues has mentioned in her blog, ‘It (theater) communicates through sounds. People who are familiar with the sounds can relate to them which in turn evokes certain emotions in us.’ I completely agree with this viewpoint. Like Lahore is not Lahore without its sights and sounds et cetera, similarly, theater is not theater without its element of sounds. The essence of Lahore is therefore, very similar to the essence of the theater. 

Inside of the Quaid-e-Azam Library