LAHORE: As the Basant Festival draws closer, rooftop rentals in the provincial capital — particularly in the historic Walled City — have gone through the roof, with many spaces booked well in advance for as much as Rs 2.5 million to Rs 3 million for just three days.
Rooftop rentals in Lahore’s Walled City (Androon Lahore) for the 2026 Basant Festival have skyrocketed, with prices ranging from Rs 500,000 to over Rs 1 million, while some prime locations are reported to have been booked for up to Rs 2.5-3 million.
A survey conducted by Business Recorder revealed that agents in areas such as Delhi Gate, Bhaati Gate, and Mochi Gate are booking rooftop spaces weeks in advance. Some exclusive spots have fetched even higher rates due to overwhelming demand for the February 6-8 Basant festivities.
Prime, high-view rooftops in the Walled City are in the highest demand, causing prices to soar dramatically, residents said. Key hotspots include Delhi Gate, Mochi Gate, Bhaati Gate, and Rang Mahal, which are renowned for their panoramic views of the celebrations.
“Many rooftops were booked weeks ahead of the festival due to the excitement surrounding Basant,” said Sharafat Butt, a resident of Mochi Gate.
“These rooftops are highly sought after for hosting private and exclusive parties, often catering to tourists and affluent guests,” said Zameer Khan, a resident of Sheranwala Gate. He added that a couple of five-star hotels have also booked rooftops in the Walled City at extremely high prices to host exclusive events for special guests, further driving up rental rates.
Surprisingly, some public-sector buildings including schools have also been made available for rent during Basant. The management of the historic General Post Office (GPO) on Mall Road has reportedly put its spacious rooftop up for rent for the festival. The sharp rise in prices reflects the deep-rooted cultural passion for Basant in Lahore, particularly in the Walled City, despite the government’s regulatory efforts to ensure safety of citizens.
While rooftops are being rented at premium rates, the Punjab government has enforced strict regulations, including a ban on hazardous chemical-coated kite strings. It has also made it mandatory for motorcyclists to install safety rods to prevent kite-string-related injuries. Additionally, the government has announced free Orange Line train and bus services on the eve of Basant to discourage the use of private vehicles.
The Basant Festival was banned in 2007 following a surge in injuries and fatalities caused by chemical-coated strings and celebratory firing. After nearly 18 years, the Punjab government has allowed the festival to resume under strict safety regulations, sparking widespread enthusiasm and preparations.
Under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from kite flying. A fine of Rs 50,000 will be imposed for a first violation, rising to Rs 100,000 for subsequent offences. Kite-flying associations must be registered with the relevant deputy commissioner’s office, while kite and related material sellers will be linked through QR codes. Violators may face up to three years’ imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs 2 million.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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