LAHORE LAHORE HAI !!!!

 

10 MUST VISIT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN LAHORE

Lahore (Urdu: لاہور‎) is the second biggest city in Pakistan. It is the capital of the province of Punjab. It is also known as the 'City of Gardens' because of its many parks and gardens. This city is known for its rich culture and lively atmosphere, in a lighter mode known “Lahore Lahore Hai” meaning Lahore is Lahore.

According to historians and archaeologists, Lahore was the capital of several Hindu dynasties from around 300-250 BC onwards. Probably the first of these dynasties was the 'Loh'(or Lav) dynasty of the Gujar tribe. Some people also believe that this city is the same one mentioned by Ptolemy in his Geographia.

The ancient 'Walled City' was the old, proper Lahore, which later expanded in different directions. Quite a lot of work was done on it by the kings of the Delhi Sultanate and then the Mughals. Most of the newer areas and suburbs of the city are from the later British Raj from 1849 to 1947.

Lahore is historically an important place in the South Asian Subcontinent. Famous buildings made here during the time of the Mughal Empire includes

·         Badshahi Mosque, (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosque)

·         Lahore Fort (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Fort)

·         Shalimar Gardens. (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalimar_Gardens)

·         Lahore Museum. (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museum)

·         Lahore Fort. (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#lahore-fort)

·         Tonb of Jgagir (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#jahangir)

·         Tomb of Nadira Begum (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#nadira-begum)

·         Minar e Pakistan (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#minar-e-pakistan)

·         Kamran’s Bara Daari (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#kamran's-baradari)

·         Bagh I Jinnah (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#bagh-e-jinnah)

But my today’s blog is about some other places that are equally worth seeing in Lahore. So I want all my readers that if they are thinking of travelling to Lahore and to with relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions, it’s important to do things at your own pace. Travel when you feel like its safe too, and when you are comfortable, then do visit these amazing place in Lahore beside more famous and known place highlighted above. It might still be a while until we’re able to visit places like Venice and Rome, but there are so many gems here in the Lahore worth exploring. It’s so rich in culture, arts and hospitality, so today I’ll be sharing 10 must visit places based off my own travel experiences.

1.   Wazir Khan Mosque

Completed in 1642, this 17th-century mosque- which can be found in Lahore’s Walled City- is magnificent. It’s decked out in bright colors and boasts magnificent frescoes that have somehow been kept in pristine condition thanks to restoration efforts. Wazir Khan Masjid was commissioned by  Shah Jahan- yup, that’s the exact same Mughal Emperor who had the Taj Mahal built. I guess that speaks to its magnificence! Though it might not be the largest mosque in the city, it’s nevertheless one of the best places to visit in Lahore— don’t miss it!

Visiting hours: 5AM-8PM Daily

Entrance fee: Free.

2.   Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali Bazaar is a one of the best busy to be places to visit in Lahore… whether it be for shopping, eating, or just people watching, something new always remains to be discovered in this busy marketplace. The bazaar lies in the historic neighborhood of old city, and though it may not be quite as maze-like as the Walled City- it’s very easy to get lost amongst its lively streets. The name Anarkali belongs to a girl who worked as an escort… and is said to have had an affair with Crown Prince Jahangir. Anarkali was buried in the neighborhood, so along with browsing the bazaar’s streets, a visit to her elaborate tomb is a must when you come to visit.

I highly recommend you stop here for some chole bhature and some of the best puri in Lahore!

3. Food Streets of Lahore.

Food Street in Lahore, means many things considering Lahore is one of the most foodie friendly places in Pakistan. One of it is located adjacent to the Badshahi Mosque. However the real food street (or one of them) lies just a block. Here you can find decades’ old restaurants and shops serving up everything from delicious tawa chicken to paaye and mutton brains!

Gawalmandi is another famous food street located near to Mall Road- and while it’s certainly better than the bougie one mentioned above, with a large variety of typical Lahore food.

Visiting Hours: Both food streets open around midday and stay open until 2:00AM on a regular day.

4: Walled City of Lahore

  

The Walled City of Lahore is not a single monument, but a living, breathing relic of times past and present. The Walled City has been around since 1000 BCE and has lived through dozens of rulers and eras. In its heyday, 13 gates allowed entry, but today only 6 remain. Though you can make a point to hunt down the famous places to visit in the Walled City of Lahore, to truly experience the magic of the Walls is to get lost in them without a destination.

Take a morning (or afternoon), enter through any gate and see where the hours take you. Unmarked eateries, illustrious havelis, and all kinds of narrow walk-ways and unknown shrines will be sure to greet you.

Visiting hours: Literally whenever, though it’s best to wander before dark

Entrance fee: Free

5: Shahi Hammam

Shahi Hammam is the only monumental building in Pakistan which represents the Central Asian/Turkish/Irani tradition of public hot baths. It was designed as a public bathhouse to service both the visiting travelers as well as the inhabitants of the city.

he Hammam is a single storey building and covers an area of approximately1,050 square metres. Built on the pattern of Turkish and Iranian bathing establishments of its time (which consisted of hot, warm and cool plunges, sweat rooms and related facilities), the Hammam is a collection of 21 inter-connected rooms offering all the facilities found in a public bath, An additional room is set at an angle facing Mecca and has been used for offering prayers.

6: Data Darbar

Data Darbar is said to be the holiest place in Lahore and holds the remains of Data Ganj Baksh, who is believed to have lived here back in the 11th century. As far as Sufi shrines go, Data Darbar is one of the busiest due to its fame. On a regular day- especially if it’s a weekend- the shrine is bustling with life. It has separate entrances for both men and women and cameras are NOT allowed due to past security concerns… but phone cameras will do!

Visiting Hours: 24/7/365

Entrance Fee: None

7: Wagah Border

The Wagah Border is usually at the top of most people’s Lahore to do lists… and it sure is unique. This border that connects India with Pakistan is not just for crossing.

Every day around sundown, a wildly strange “border closing ceremony” takes place. Mostly a show of aggression accompanied by a bit of acting, the ceremony attracts hundreds of visitors from both sides of the Subcontinent. The Wagah Border is about 30 minutes to an hour from Lahore depending on where you start.

In the summer, the ceremony starts  around 4:45PM and in the winter, around 4:00PM. Arrive at least an hour in advance if you want a good seat!

Entrance Fee: None

8: Lahore Zoo

The zoo is right next to the Bagh e Jinnah on Mall Road and worth a visit considering its 148 years old and home to around 1400 animals!

Known for being the oldest zoo in Pakistan, it’s one of the most fun places to visit in Lahore with kids- or if you have a particularly favorite animal in mind like I do.

Visiting Hours: 8:30AM-5PM

Entrance Fee: 30 rupees for everyone

9: Lahore Railway Station

Lahore Junction railway station (Urdu, Punjabi: لاہور جنکشن ریلوے اسٹیشن) is the main railway station in Lahore, Pakistan. Construction commenced shortly after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 against British rule, and so was built in the style of a medieval castle with thick walls, turrets, and holes to direct gun and cannon fire for defence of the structure.[2] The station is now owned by Pakistan Railways, and also serves as its headquarters.

The station was built during the colonial era, and was built just outside the Walled City. Lahore Junction Station is equipped with all basic facilities such as ticketing services, restrooms, waiting areas, and international fast food chains.

10: Fakir Khana Museum.

Fakir Khana (Urdu: فقیر خانہ‎) is a private museum and house located in Lahore, Pakistan, owned by the Fakir family. Fakhir Khana contains over 20,000 objects, and is the largest privately owned museum in South Asia. The museum is located within Lahore's Walled City, along the Hakimaan Bazaar, near the Bhati Gate. It was originally owned by Raja Todar Mal, finance minister to the Mughal Emperor Akbar

The museum's collection consists of approximately 20,000 pieces of art and artifacts mostly from the 18th to 20th centuries,[3] including a small collection of Gandharan artifacts. The collection also contains numerous gifts bestowed to the Fakir family by Ranjit Singh, as well as 10,000 manuscripts, 180 displayed miniature paintings, Sikh era textiles, statuary, pottery, and carved ivory pieces. The collection also includes a 12 by 6 inch painting of Nawab Mumtaz Ali, that was painted with a single hair and required 15 years to be completed.

Visiting Hours: 10am–5pm

Here I mentioned my best places to visit in Lahore beside the usual known Historical ones.! Do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comments!

By:

Ovais Asad Khan

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY -2021 (DIVERSITY IS THE NEED OF HOUR)

 

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY -2021 (DIVERSITY IS THE NEED OF HOUR)

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:

·         Celebrate women's achievements

·         Raise awareness about women's equality

·         Lobby for accelerated gender parity

·         Fundraise for female-focused charities

Evert Year we all celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 and throws the spotlight on women and their rights. Beginning early 1900s, IWD is “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality,” according to the official IWD website.

The earliest Women's Day observance, called "National Woman's Day", was held on February 28, 1909, in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America at the suggestion of activist Theresa Malkiel. In August 1910, an International Socialist Women's Conference was organized to precede the general meeting of the Socialist Second International in Copenhagen, Denmark. The following year on March 19, 1911, International Women's Day (IWD) was marked for the first time, by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

The theme of 2021 is let’s all Choose to Challenge. “We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women‘s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge,”

Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women's Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.

Some of the quotes that will mark the importance of International Women Day 2021 are:

·         “No nation can rise to height of glory unless your women are side by side with you” – Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

·         “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama

·         “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa, Activist.

·         “A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.” –Coco Chanel

·         “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” –G.D. Anderson

·         “The best protection any woman can have is courage.” –Elizabeth Cady Stanton

·         “Where there is a woman, there is magic.” –Ntozake Shange

·         “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.” Hillary Clinton, American politician.

·         “After all those years as a woman hearing, ‘not thin enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not this enough, not that enough,’ almost overnight I woke up one morning and thought, ‘I am enough.’” –Anna Quindlen.

Women face unique barriers in pursuit of social and political equality. Employing the term “women’s issues” to address these obstacles or the uneven playing field can give visibility to the particular difficulties that women face, as opposed to other groups. So while women’s rights are human rights, using specificity to define them brings visibility to a population whose voice has been silenced.

While celebrating International women Day we in general forget the basic major issues faced by most of the women of the world irrespective of their Geographic’s and demographics’ as Women are involved in all parts of society, but some matters affect and touch women more than others.  Whether you’re new to the topic or a veteran advocate, this cheat sheet should help clarify what we mean when we talk about something as broad as girls’ and women’s issues.

1.      Access to Education

2.    Domestic Abuse.

3.    Over Reproductive Rights and Health.

4.    Employment Opportunities

5.    Maternal Health.

6.    Workplace Sexual Harassment.

7.    Forced Sex, rapes .

8.    Sexism and Gender Bias Equality & Violence.

9.   Child Marriage & Teen Pregnancy.

10. The Power of the Women's Vote

11. Gender Pay Gap

12. Female Genital Mutilation.

13. Water & Sanitation.

14. Women in Powerful Positions.

What I can suggest here max is Women’s marginalization, and the patriarchal system where ingrained gender roles further perpetuate inequality, do not exist in a bubble. The use of the term “women’s issues” can be an oversimplification that removes from men the onus of participating in solutions. Any hope of resolving these issues requires a shift in focus to include everyone in the conversation.

 We need a better understanding of the root causes of issues labeled as “women’s,” and perhaps a new word that hasn’t yet tired from overuse and become jargon. Men: label it gender inequality, label it a challenge for society, but don’t ignore an issue labeled as “women’s.”

Beside all I pointed out above let me clarify another myth on this International women Day that “more women on boards doesn’t guarantee diversity” and my today’s small message is based on this element. As I believe that although more women on boards is seen as an important indicator of gender equality and board effectiveness, however there’s a problem in thinking board gender statistics alone indicate significant progress on diversity if the women getting picked for boards generally belong to the same networks as the male directors, thus it does not solve the issue that because people from similar backgrounds and social circles are less likely to have very different perspectives, or be prepared to challenge the group.

Gender is only one facet of diversity. Ideally a board should have members who are able to not only arrive at different solutions but also voice these solutions. But for greater gender equality to really contribute to greater thought diversity, we have to think about all the other factors that might be just as important, such as ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, work and life experiences, educational attainment, or even personality traits. Based on that I would say that lets just not raise voice to place more and more women on higher seats but should follow the other elements of diversity too.

Meanwhile, advocating for women and girls within development is pretty popular right now. The UK women and equalities minister, Justine Greening, stated last International Women’s Day that “the world cannot wait for women’s empowerment”, while Australia’s minister for women’s affairs, Julie Bishop, pledged to put gender equality and women’s empowerment at the heart the country’s aid and trade strategies. Similarly, the folks at Davos, the World Bank and World Economic Forum are all putting gender on their agendas. Recently, even the Economist magazine has been waxing lyrical about gender budgeting.

In short all I can say is the wheels of change are in motion, and we need to maintain the passion and momentum as we’re not there yet. When we reach our goal with gender, we can address our other diversity challenges including ethnicity and age.

So let’s keep our fingers crossed either the slogan is Choose to Challenge or any other, our focus should be on protecting and giving Women their due share and respect in the Society.

BY:

Ovais Asad Khan