Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore towards the end of October, this festival showcases cattle races, cattle dances, tent-pegging, tattoo shows, folk music, dances, bands, cultural floats, and folk games. The show has been described as an eloquent expression of Pakistan’s heritage and an authentic account of its agricultural and industrial achievements. It is held in Lahore Fortress stadium at the end of February or at First week of March. The fortress stadium, the venue of the show is thronged by active participants, foreign visitors, and people who watch the festival with great enthusiasm, verve, and aplomb.
A large number of them are interested in watching and appreciating the best breeds of livestock. Many derive pleasure by watching other activities such as a display parade of animals, dances by horses and camels, polo matches, tent pegging, dog shows, and their races, vaudeville acts of stuntmen, mass display of military bands, rhythmical physical exercise by the children.
Tastefully decorated industrial floats and torch light tattoo shows. Additional attractions include a subtle interplay of lights to weave enticing patterns at night and breathtaking acts by foreign groups. The show began as a modest exhibition organized by the army to project the cattle wealth of the country in the early fifties.
Today it is an international event to which come dignitaries from abroad and visitors and foreign tourists. The organizing committee comprises representatives of a number of agencies including the army, rangers, LMC schools, the police, industrialists, and the art councils.