Punjab government issues official notification for Basant 2026

The Lahore district administration has officially issued a notification permitting the celebration of the Basant festival from February 6 to 8, 2026, under strict safety and regulatory measures.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza said kite flying will be allowed only within the district limits on the specified dates, with comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures in place to ensure public safety, state-run APP reported.

Under the new rules, online registration for kite and thread manufacturers and sellers has been activated through the e-Biz app, and sales of kite-flying equipment are allowed from February 1 to 8, while registered businesses may begin operations from December 30.

READ MORE: Basant festival starts in Lahore: millions of rupees economic activities generated

The notification bans hazardous materials such as nylon, plastic, metal wire and spools (“charkhi”), mandates safety wires on motorcycles, and sets size limits for kites and strings, with strict action to be taken against violations.

 Authorities said the move aims to revive the cultural festival in a safe and well-regulated manner after years of restrictions.

The move comes weeks after the provincial government promulgated the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, formally paving the way for the return of Basant — the province’s iconic kite festival.

READ MORE: Basant festival returns to Pakistan’s Punjab ‘after 25 years

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), the ruling party in the province, announced the development in an official post on X.

“Basant is back after 25 years,” the post read.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in a post on Facebook, also made the announcement, stating that registration had been made mandatory for kite-making and kite-selling and violation of the law could lead to 3 to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs2 million.