Sports Events in Lahore

While standing on the roof of a house in the ancient walled city of Lahore, you will notice cages fixed on the roofs on a number of houses. These cages have Kabooter (Pigeons) inside. “Kabooter Bazi” or Pigeon game is a centuries old sport played in Lahore and adjoining cities. During the competition, rivals free their pigeons for a flight. Winner is the pigeon that will stay in the air for the longest period of time before returning to its base. Pigeons can fly non stop any where from twelve to twenty hours. Prices of this bird can go as high as $2,000 based on the strength and capability. While there are big cash awards for the owners of victorious pigeon; pigeons are also offered tiny gold bracelets for the feet …. cool!

Do you know, during old days pigeons used to act as postmen in South Asia? Trained bird used to fly for more than hundred kilometers to deliver letters to destinations. They also used to act as messengers between lovers when there was no land line, mobile phone, email and yahoo messenger. In a conservative society when relationship between an unmarried couple is considered a taboo, lovers usually had been attaching a tiny piece of paper with the feet of pigeon to be delivered to the lover.

In a lot of Pakistani and Indian movies from the past, pigeons have been playing an active role in bridging communication between lovers. An Indian movie from late 80’s was a smash hit just because of a song where a girl is singing while giving instructions to her pigeon for delivering the letter to the boyfriend.