The vibrant Horse and Cattle Show 2025, themed “May Punjab Prosper Forever,” concluded spectacularly on Monday. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presided over the grand event, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir attending as the guest of honor, The News reported.
CM Maryam Nawaz graces the closing ceremony of Horse & Cattle Show 2025.
Reviving Punjab’s rich culture remains her top priority. pic.twitter.com/NYVOQmDhXb
— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 24, 2025
Fortress Stadium was adorned beautifully, welcoming guests in the afternoon. The festivities began with hundreds of drummers filling the air with rhythmic beats, spinning in circles as they performed. Women dressed in traditional attire led a cavalry team, formally seeking permission to commence the program. The event featured thrilling displays, including horse riders carrying the national flag at high speed and showcasing their skill by spearing burning coals.
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A highlight of the show was the Rustam-e-Punjab kabaddi exhibition match, which kept the audience engaged. Adding to the spectacle, dancing camels, goats, buffaloes, and sheep entertained spectators, while regional dancers from Sindh, Balochistan, and Kashmir captivated the crowd with their performances. The show also included flute melodies under the theme “Green Punjab” and mesmerizing Sufi dances.
A highlights reel of the 16-day event was presented, followed by an awe-inspiring torch parade by the Rangers contingent. The musical segment featured performances by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who enchanted the audience, alongside Arif Lohar and his group. Choreographer Wahab Shah and his team delivered a stunning performance of the event’s theme song, “May Punjab Prosper Forever.”
The night sky illuminated with a breathtaking fireworks display, while the massive turnout of spectators set a new record for the event. This 16-day festival welcomed renowned international teams from Turkey, Dubai, Baku, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, who praised the event’s organization and grandeur.
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For the first time in Lahore, audiences experienced Shandur Polo matches, while a dog show at Gilani Park, featuring German Shepherds and other elite breeds, delighted children and families. International teams also participated in the seven-day tent pegging competition, showcasing skilled horse riders in exhilarating contests.
The Punjab Cultural Nights featured spectacular performances by renowned artists, with a special night dedicated to the culture of Gilgit-Baltistan adding to the celebrations.
Competitions for high-yielding dairy animals were held, while the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) organized a two-day flower exhibition at Gilani Park, attracting thousands of visitors.
Other major attractions included the Children’s Festival, music and food festival, vintage car show, and family cycling event. Thousands of families participated in the Family Cyclothon, cycling from Main Boulevard to Bagh-e-Jinnah. The Rustam-e-Punjab wrestling competition at Minar-e-Pakistan thrilled spectators, while the Sufi Festival at Lahore Fort showcased captivating performances by renowned singers.
The Punjab Industries and Artisan Exhibition at the Expo Centre Lahore displayed a remarkable collection of industrial and artisanal crafts. The 2025 Horse and Cattle Show set a new benchmark, with hundreds of thousands of attendees across more than 20 major events, making it one of Punjab’s largest cultural celebrations in history.