• Source:JND

After a gap of nearly 19 years, the rooftops and skies of Lahore, Pakistan, are once again filled with vibrant kites. The revival of the "Basant Utsav" (Spring Festival) has sparked widespread joy among th public. This three-day event in the Punjab province marks the arrival of the spring season. However, due to safety concerns, the Pakistani government had imposed a total ban on the festival in 2007. Now, the kite festival has been restored under strict regulations.

Why Was Kite Flying Banned In Pakistan?

Although the festival is centuries old, the Punjab government prohibited it in 2007 due to rising fatalities and serious injuries caused by sharp, glass-coated strings (manjha) and aerial firing. These dangerous strings led to numerous accidents involving pedestrians and motorcyclists, often resulting in fatal throat injuries. To prioritise public safety, the government took the drastic step of banning Basant entirely.

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Strict Safety Measures And Limited Relaxation

In 2026, the Pakistan government finally provided relief after 19 years. Basant has been permitted for only three days, accompanied by rigorous safety protocols. Thousands of people have flocked to Lahore from far-off places, welcoming the decision with open hearts. Cultural activists have long argued that the issue lay not with the festival itself but with previously lax law enforcement. Currently, authorities are ensuring strict compliance with the new rules.

New Guidelines For Kite Flying

The main attraction of Basant is the "kite battle," where flyers attempt to cut the strings of opponents' kites. To prevent accidents, several new rules are in place:

String Ban: Glass-coated strings are strictly prohibited.

Tracking: QR codes are being used to track the sale of kites and equipment.

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Protective Gear: Motorcyclists have installed safety rods on their bikes to prevent neck injuries from stray strings.

Police Presence: Heavy police deployment is visible across the city and hospitals are on high alert.

According to a report by NDTV, a festive atmosphere has taken over central Lahore. Prime rooftops are being rented for the three-day event at staggering prices ranging from Rs 21 lakhs to Rs 55 lakhs. Areas like Mochi Gate and Rang Mahal were in high demand. Authorities had only approved large, structurally sound rooftops for the festivities. Gulf News reports that many terraces were decorated with lights, searchlights for night flying and elaborate food stalls.

Revival Of Livelihoods

The return of the festival has provided significant relief to traditional kite makers whose businesses had collapsed during the long ban. This craft community, known for handmade paper and bamboo frames, is finally seeing its workshops buzz with activity again. Local street food vendors in Lahore’s inner city are also benefiting, staying open late to sell traditional sweets, snacks and cold drinks. Families celebrated with elaborate feasts featuring barbecue, Malai Boti and traditional desserts like Gajar-ka-Halwa (Gajrela).


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