The Horse and Cattle Show 2025, with its theme “May Punjab Prosper Forever,” came to an exciting close on Monday. Held at Lahore’s Fortress Stadium, this vibrant event saw a strong turnout with Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz leading the celebrations, while the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
The atmosphere was electric as guests arrived in the afternoon, greeted by the rhythm of drummers spinning in circles and playing festive beats. Women in traditional attire led a cavalry procession, formally seeking permission to start the event. This set the stage for a thrilling day full of traditional performances, exciting competitions, and cultural showcases.
One of the standout attractions was a daring display by horse riders, who carried the national flag while expertly spearing burning coals. The crowd also enjoyed an exhibition kabaddi match, titled “Rustam-e-Punjab,” a true celebration of local sports. The event featured an array of animals, with dancing camels, goats, buffaloes, and sheep delighting the audience. The performance by dancers from various regions added even more flair, with Sindhi, Balochi, and Kashmiri dancers drawing particular attention. There was also a special flute performance themed “Green Punjab” and beautiful Sufi dances, capturing the essence of the region’s culture.
A highlights reel showcased the 16-day festival, followed by a captivating torch parade by the Rangers contingent. The musical performances, which included Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Arif Lohar, further energized the crowd. Choreographer Wahab Shah and his team presented the event’s theme song, “May Punjab Prosper Forever,” which had the entire stadium singing along.
The night sky lit up with a breathtaking fireworks display, marking the grand finale of the show. The event set a new record, with hundreds of thousands of citizens attending. International teams from Turkey, Dubai, Baku, Ukraine, and Ethiopia participated, all praising the excellent organization of the show.
For the first time in Lahore, Shandur Polo matches took place, while the dog show at Gilani Park, featuring top breeds like German Shepherds, captivated children and families. International competitors also took part in the seven-day tent pegging competition, where skilled horse riders showcased their talent. Cultural performances, including those celebrating the traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan, added to the festival’s diverse offerings.
The Horse and Cattle Show also featured competitions for high-yielding dairy animals, while the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) organized a flower exhibition, attracting thousands to Gilani Park. A Children’s Festival, music and food festival, vintage car show, and Family Cyclothon brought together even more visitors, with cyclists riding from Main Boulevard to Bagh-e-Jinnah.
The Rustam-e-Punjab wrestling competition at Minar-e-Pakistan was another exciting highlight, drawing large crowds. Additionally, the Sufi Festival at Lahore Fort showcased mesmerizing performances by renowned singers, enchanting the audience.
At the Expo Centre Lahore, the Punjab Industries and Artisan Exhibition displayed the best in industrial and artisanal crafts. With over 20 major events and hundreds of thousands of attendees, the 2025 Horse and Cattle Show was undoubtedly one of the largest and most vibrant cultural celebrations in Punjab’s history.
