LAHORE: The Lahore district administration has officially announced the celebration of Basant 2026, scheduled from February 6 to 8, and online registration of manufacturers and traders has been made mandatory.
The sale of kite flying materials will commence from February 1 to February 8, while manufacturers can start their work from December 30.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza issued a notification on Monday, stating that, in accordance with the powers conferred under Section 6(1) of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025 and with the approval of the Punjab government, kite flying is permitted within the territorial limits of Lahore District.
The administration has established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the event which will be strictly followed by the district administration, police, kite flying associations, and citizens. Basant will be celebrated within the Lahore district, with conditional permission granted for kite flying under strict safety measures. An E-Biz app and an online portal have been activated for the registration of kite and string manufacturers.
According to the SOPs, kite flying is only permitted with specified kite flying materials as outlined in Schedule I of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025. All registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers must display valid registration certificates at approved premises.
There is a complete ban on the production and sale of spinning wheels; only ‘pinna’ string is allowed. Additionally, the size of kites must not exceed the limits specified in the rules. All manufacturers, traders, and sellers must complete their digital registration process, and only registered sellers will be authorised to sell kite flying materials to the general public. Motorcyclists are required to install safety wires on their bikes as per the SOPs.
The administration has warned that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against the use of nylon, plastic, and metal wire, and strict compliance will be expected. Police and district officers will conduct rigorous crackdowns on those selling prohibited strings.
Commenting on Basant 2026, the Deputy Commissioner stated that Basant is a cultural festival for Lahore, and it is our responsibility to ensure it is celebrated safely. He emphasised that the use of prohibited strings and chemical coatings will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and the manufacturers and traders are permitted to commence their enterprises legally from December 30.
“The protection of human lives is our top priority, and there will be no compromise on it,” he asserted, urging parents to prevent their children from using prohibited strings. He assured that law-abiding citizens would receive complete protection.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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