Lahore authorities have formally approved the celebration of Basant from February 6 to 8, ending an 18-year ban on the traditional kite-flying festival.
The Lahore deputy commissioner issued the approval on Monday under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025. The decision follows the Punjab Assembly’s passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill on December 24, which allows conditional kite flying on specified days.
The notification permits kite flying across the entire Lahore district during the three-day festival. It does not restrict celebrations to specific areas, signalling district-wide approval.
The deputy commissioner also allowed the manufacturing and trade of approved kite-flying material from December 30 to February 8, 2026. Manufacturers, traders, and sellers must register digitally under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules, 2025. Authorities will allow public sales only from February 1 to February 8, and only through registered vendors.
The district administration opened registrations on Monday through the government’s e-biz application and the festival’s official website. Anyone who manufactures, sells, stores, or trades kite material without registration will face legal action.
Read: Punjab Announces 3 Day Basant Festival from February 6, 2026
Only kite material listed in Schedule I of the 2025 rules may be used. Kites must not exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length. Guddas must be no more than 40 inches wide and 34 inches long.
Authorities have restricted kite strings to cotton-based material with no more than nine threads. The string must carry a minimum 28-count coating and a sheesha size of at least 350 mash. Vendors may wind the string only in pinna form. The use of charkhi spools remains strictly banned.
The administration has imposed a complete ban on sharp maanjha, nylon cords, plastic strings, metallic wire, and all other hazardous materials. Registered sellers must display their certificates clearly and maintain full records of stock, sales, and movement for inspection.
Kite-flying associations must coordinate closely with district officials to ensure safety and compliance. Authorities have also directed all motorcycle riders in Lahore to install safety wires to prevent injuries during the festival.
The deputy commissioner warned that any violation would lead to strict action. Penalties include cancellation of permissions, seizure of material, and prosecution under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying laws.
Punjab banned Basant in 2007 after repeated deaths and serious injuries caused by dangerous kite strings. The provincial government has now decided to revive the festival following consultations with stakeholders and on the recommendation of Nawaz Sharif.
Officials clarified that Basant celebrations in other districts of Punjab will require separate approvals from their respective deputy commissioners. Authorities will enforce the same safety rules across the province.
Despite the ongoing ban outside the approved dates, authorities recently reported two incidents in Lahore and Pattoki where stray kite strings injured a young man and a minor girl. Officials expressed concern about illegal manufacturing and warned district administrations to act immediately to address violations. The Punjab Home Department has instructed local authorities to ensure strict enforcement to prevent the revival of Basant from endangering public safety.
