KEY POINTS
- Punjab government plans to revive the Basant festival in Lahore after over a decade-long ban
- A high-level committee has been formed to ensure the event follows strict safety rules and regulations
- Only registered vendors and safe kite strings will be allowed, with a complete ban on hazardous manjha
- Temporary motorcycle ban considered to curb kite string accidents during two-day festival
- Basant festival generates approximately PKR 500 million in economic activity
ISLAMABAD: The skies of Lahore, the heart of Pakistan, may soon be filled again with colourful kites and cheerful voices from rooftops as the Punjab provincial government has launched early-stage planning for a long-awaited return of the Basant festival, expected to take place in February 2026.
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, provincial authorities have launched early preparations to reintroduce the culturally iconic but long-banned festival under a strict safety-first framework.
Once a hallmark of Lahore’s cultural calendar, Basant had been grounded for over a decade due to mounting safety concerns, especially the deadly use of hazardous kite strings.
Now, a high-powered committee—comprising officials from the Walled City Authority, Lahore’s commissioner and deputy commissioner, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), departmental heads, and members of the Kite Flying Association—has been formed to map out a revival strategy rooted in regulation and control.
According to insider sources, the Walled City of Lahore, with its historic rooftops and deep-rooted traditions, is being eyed as the festival’s focal point.
The proposed plan may span two days, with a temporary ban on motorcycles under consideration to mitigate risks posed by stray kite strings, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods.
As part of a sweeping regulatory push, only registered kite vendors will be allowed to participate in the sale and purchase of kites. Manufacturers of dor—the string used in kite flying—will also need official approval to operate.
The most critical move: a zero-tolerance policy against manjha, the infamous glass-coated or metallic string blamed for numerous injuries and fatalities in past years.
All kite strings will be subject to quality checks and must comply with newly established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before being cleared for public use.
This cautious but culturally significant move could see Basant officially celebrated for the first time in over a decade, symbolising a delicate balance between honouring tradition and safeguarding lives.
If the plan flies, quite literally, Lahore’s skyline may once again shimmer with colour, joy, and the age-old spirit of friendly rooftop rivalry—but this time, with a safety string firmly attached.
Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Act, 2024
Earlier in January 2025, the government of Pakistan’s Punjab province enforced a strict, province-wide ban on kite flying following multiple fatal incidents linked to dangerous kite strings.
The move follows the passage of the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Act, 2024, approved by the provincial assembly.
Proposed by ruling party lawmaker Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, the bill introduces harsh penalties for violators.
Individuals caught flying kites now face three to five years in prison, a fine of Rs 2 million (around $7,200), or both. Kite manufacturers and transporters could receive five to seven years in jail and fines up to Rs 5 million ($18,000).
In cases involving minors, first-time violators will be fined Rs 50,000, with repeat offences costing Rs 100,000. The law also criminalises the use of metallic wires, nylon cords, and sharp-coated threads.
Previously limited to Lahore, the ban now applies across Punjab, aiming to prevent further tragedies during the upcoming Basant festival.
Basant Festival Generates 500 Million Rupees
Basant has long been a major driver of economic activity in Lahore, generating around 500 million rupees during the festival, according to a rough estimation.
The event attracts thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad, filling hotels, guesthouses, and clubs, with some hotels charging over Rs 15,000 per night.
Vendors selling kites and strings profit significantly, while car rentals and catering services remain in high demand. Multinational and local companies sponsor events, boosting the economy further.
The festival, once limited to Lahore’s walled city, now spans across the city and beyond, driving business in various sectors and contributing to tourism.
